A quick Google search yielded a plethora of synonyms for the word vagina. Among them: foo-foo, cha cha, va-jj, muffin, toolbox, and of course the ever popular, “down there.” These are just a few of the NICE names – there are plenty of others which are certainly, shall we say, less than flattering. You can hear all these terms and many, many more when you plunk down your money for a ticket to this year’s rendition of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” playing April 8 through April 10 at the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club.
The three-night benefit reading will include 18 monologues crafted from more than 200 interviews with women of all ages, professions and walks of life. The show will feature a cast of 17 residents of Sonoma who dive into the mystery, humor, pain, wisdom and excitement buried in women’s experience. Among them, The Sun columnist Joan Huguenard who said more than a few of her eight children don’t approve of her participation and won’t be attending the show.
“My sons can’t even say the word vagina but my daughter-in-law is planning on coming,” said Huguenard. In her recent column she talks of never having said the V-word before but now, “I find the word “vagina” rolling off my tongue almost with ease as I refer to this normal and natural part of the female body.”
The Vagina Monologues are put on as part of V-Day 2010 Sonoma. V-Day is a global movement in its 11th year with a mission to end rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery of women and girls. The beneficiaries of this year’s Sonoma show will again include the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance’s Empowerment Program for Girls which will help girls follow their dreams in sports, music, art, dance and drama. Additionally, Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International, which provides empowerment workshops for Sonoma girls and teens, will share in the funds raised from the event.
The dynamic duo producing and directing this year’s show are Regina Gregor and Jennifer Blackwood – two dedicated women to be sure. The passion they feel for the show and its beneficiaries is unmistakable.
“People think that the monologues are an excuse for women to get onstage and swear, rant, and complain about men. And while there is some of that, the show is about so much more,” said Blackwood. “What we really want is for people to come out and support change for women. Raising awareness of women’s issues and empowering women are the goals behind the monologues.”
Last year’s monologues were a sold-out success and organizers are hoping to bring in more than the $8,000 raised last year. Tickets are on sale at Pharmaca and The Laughing Queen; $22 in advance and $27 at the door. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10 at the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club, 574 First St. E., Sonoma.
