Barbara Roden
Free Press
After an 11-year absence, the episodic play The Vagina Monologues is returning to 100 Mile House, with a performance at Martin Exeter Hall at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26.
Meg Kennedy-Gunn, one of the two-dozen people making the production happen, notes that when it was first performed in 100 Mile 12 years ago, it was very well-received.
“We weren’t sure how it would go, and it sold out. People talked about it a lot afterwards.”
It was so successful the play was brought back the following year.
“We’ve been trying to put together another production for years, but this time it all came together. The play looks at important realities that need to be addressed more than every 11 or 12 years, and things have happened in 100 Mile recently that make the play even more relevant.
“We need to keep these issues in front of people, and The Vagina Monologues is a public way of keeping it in the community.”
The play – written by Eve Ensler in 1996 – is a series of 19 monologues presented by different women of all ages, Kennedy-Gunn explains.
“Our cast ranges in age from their early-20s to the mid-90s.”
Over the years, Ensler has written new monologues for the production, and three of the new pieces will be performed in 100 Mile House, she adds.
“They’re real women’s stories, taken from interviews that Ensler did over a long period of time.”
Kennedy-Gunn notes the play contains strong language and subject matter.
“The content is very real and can be very raw. It’s disturbing, funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. There’s almost every emotion you can imagine.”
Admission is $15 per person, with all proceeds going to a local non-profit group that supports individuals who need help. One or more beneficiaries will be named once those putting on the production have made a decision, she says.
“We’re getting everyone’s thoughts on what group or groups should benefit.”
There will be a dress rehearsal at 7 p.m., and admission is by donation.
As the performance on Feb. 26 will be 90 minutes with no intermission, Kennedy-Gunn says the dress rehearsal might be a good option for those who might need to leave early.
“We’re so grateful for the help and support of our community, and the volunteer time of those taking part. It’s great how people come together and make these things happen.”
