According to the UN, one in three women will be assaulted or raped in their lifetime. This sobering statistic is the basis for V-Day, a global movement  founded by playwright and activist Eve Ensler  in an effort to stop the perpetuation of violence against women.

Ensler also penned The Vagina Monologues, the cornerstone of V-Day events around the world, and the first event to be staged by Oliver/Osoyoos’s V-Day chapter.

This year the chapter expanded the event with “Stop the Violence,” an art show and celebration held at the Osoyoos Indian Band Community Centre on March 15. Their latest effort, which hits the stage of the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver on April 4, is based on Ensler’s 2006 anthology, “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.”

For this event, nearly 20 local men and women will read excerpts from Ensler and author Mollie Doyle’s groundbreaking compilation of stories written by renowned authors, poets and playwrights including  Edward Albee, Maya Angelou, Michael Cunningham, Dave Eggers and Sharon Olds.

The monologues are drawn from experiences on subjects such as empowerment, gender identity and violence. Although the stagings of these plays are similar in structure, co-directors Marji Basso and Aimee Grice stress no one production is ever the same.

“Last year, with the Vagina Monologues, we were aiming to let people know what the premise of V-Day is all about. This year, I feel, it’s more of an educational experience to help people really understand the depth of the violence that occurs on a daily basis,” Basso explained.

But Grice stressed, while the Monologues made a subject that is still widely considered “taboo,” relatable, and even humourous, the performances in  MMRP don’t just indulge the emotions of audiences; they serve the broader goals of V-Day as a whole.

“The subject matter is heavier but it’s important to talk about. Unless we face it, the violence is just going to keep happening,” said Grice.

To present MMRP, directors are able to select monologues from a pool of 190, each from a different writer. To bring their creative vision to life, Grice noted that her and Basso chose pieces that deal with the “heavier topics” but were careful to include a few lighter notes as well.

“We wanted to send the message but we also wanted to inspire hope and let people know that they can come back from violence,” added Grice.

“That’s the whole idea. We’re standing up against it and saying no more.”

Another aspect of this year’s production that Grice and Basso are hoping will draw attention is the inclusion of males in the performance. Basso says is a step towards not only encouraging women to stand up for themselves against violence, but for men to stand with them. “This movement is about raising the awareness of, and then taking it a step further. If we want real change then we have to start targeting to the men as well,” she said.

Actress Wenda Palmer (McKee) will tell Patricia Bosworth’s story “My Two Selves,” on Friday evening. She said she saw a production of the Monologues in Vancouver and had the opportunity to see the “difference it can make.”

“What is important about MMRP is that not only does it include male performers, but it acknowledges that men also experience abuse. But it is ingrained in them to be so stoic about it. This show addresses that,” McKee said.

“When I saw the show for the first time I sat next to a man in the audience and he leaned over to me and said, “More men need to see this.” I thought that was very profound.”

Milan Starcic saw last year’s performance of “The Vagina Monologues” in Oliver and says he felt compelled to be a part of this year’s show because of its direct approach to the social phenomenon of violence.

He feels the monologue he will perform this weekend, entitled “The Closet,” addresses the issue as a universal issue.

“Some of the subject matter that comes up is definitely unsettling,” he admitted.

“But in the end, that’s the point. I think people still avoid talking about it because it does make us uncomfortable. That’s why we need to get it out in the open-not just that it’s happening, but that it’s not gender specific. Violence affects everyone and there are a lot of different types-and it’s not okay.”

‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer’ will be on stage at the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver On Friday, April 4 at 7pm.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Beyond Bliss Spa and Desert Sun Counselling in Oliver, Jojo’s Cafe in Osoyoos and online by visiting www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org.

Revenue from the performance will be donated to Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre and Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House.

 

Erin Christie

Oliver Chronicle