The Vagina Monologues returns to UCalgary March 2

Over the past six years, the cast has changed, venues have varied and scripts have been updated — but there is one constant when it comes to The Vagina Monologues; the show is as relevant now as it was when it debuted 20 years ago. Eve Ensler's award-winning play has proven to be a timeless exploration of women's diverse experiences with sexuality, violence and bodily autonomy.

The play's enduring popularity and call for change inspired V-Day, celebrated each year around Valentine's Day, as groups around the world host performances to end gender-based violence in their communities.

The Women's Resource Centre and the Werklund School of Education are joining the global movement with their sixth annual production of The Vagina Monologues on Friday, March 2. This year, ticket proceeds will support the Women's Resource Centre's programming aimed at ending gender-based violence.

Spotlight on sexual violence in wake of #MeToo

Director Shirley Steinberg, research professor, Werklund School of Education, says this year's production has some timely additions to appeal to first-timers and seasoned show-goers alike.

"The show has always included current events or issues at the forefront. This year we have added attention to murdered and missing Indigenous women, Rohingya women and the #MeToo movement. It would be nice to not need this show anymore, but that's not the case," Steinberg says. "When we asked our cast to write a response to #MeToo, the responses were personal, heart-breaking, honest and needed to be shared."

Longtime cast member Sherry West, event co-ordinator, Haskayne School of Business, wrote a #MeToo piece for the show. Though she deliberated over what to write, in time the words poured onto paper and she will share them as a centerpiece for this year's production. 
"I don't think there is a woman out there who doesn't have a piece of #MeToo — whether it is something very tragic or horrific or an accumulation of little things over a lifetime that are irritating and not as acceptable as they used to be."

She recalls the first time she participated in The Vagina Monologues as part of the Calgary Fringe Festival in 2006. Then, the show only boasted 10 monologues — roughly half the number featured in this year's production.

"The show stays current simply because it is still topical; it's still vitally important that we speak out about sex, sexuality and our bodies."

More than just a play

For Shannon Jones, M.Ed student, The Vagina Monologues is more than a play; it has been an ongoing source of support and community on campus. She remembers eagerly auditioning for the university's first show in 2013 — and every year since. While she will be reprising her role on stage, this year she will also be serving as assistant director for the first time.

"I've seen what The Vagina Monologues has done for me and what it has done for other people," she says, crediting belonging to this community of empowered women as what pushed her to pursue her master's degree after putting it off for 15 years.

"It is a powerful play as an audience member, but it's a transformational experience as a cast member," Jones says. "Being a bigger part of creating that experience for other women this year has been an absolute gift."

Get your tickets on the Women's Resource Centre website

The Vagina Monologues is on Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre. Admission is $20 (general); $15 (with student ID) in advance, or $25 (general); $20 (with student ID) at the door if seats are available. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided at the show.