The Vagina Monologues, which will be staged on 10th February 2013 at the Wits Theatre.

Actor, producer and activist Rosie Motene  and actor & director Gina Shmukler are producing a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues, which will be staged on 10^th February 2013 at the Wits Theatre.

The popular play, authored by actor and playwright Eve Ensler, is being staged in support of One Billion Rising, a global day of activism against sexual violence.   Conceptualised by V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls, One Billion Rising (OBR) is a day of action against sexual violence, scheduled to take place worldwide on the 14^th February 2013.  Women and men opposed to sexual violence will participate in a variety of ‘risings’ across the globe on Valentines Day – whether as marches, flash-mobs, dances, demonstrations, and walkouts – demanding an end to sexual violence.

Since it was originally performed by Ensler over 15 years ago, The Vagina Monologues has been performed all over the world by diverse casts, from celebrities to university students and local community activists and actors – the proceeds of these performances are channeled to local anti-violence organizations around the world.  

The Vagina Monologues are based on interviews Ensler conducted with women across the globe. The monologues, which are in turn moving, hilarious, thought-provoking and heartbreaking, address the diverse aspects the feminine existence as experienced through the vagina  – sex, love,  birth, rape, menstruation, masturbation, as well as popular (and often ridiculous) nicknames for the vagina. In keeping with the global tradition of the benefit performances, Jozi's finest women from stage, radio and  television will gather to perform this great play with all proceeds going to POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse).

The cast consists of a range of heavy-hitters, all of whom have donated their services – amongst them Fiona Ramsey,  Lebo Mashile, Thembisa Mdoda, Vanessa Cooke, Zuraida Jardine,  Napo Masheane, Dawn Lindberg,  Unathi Msengana, Penny Lebyane & Leila Henriques.   

“I first performed the Vagina Monologues some over ten years ago – it changed my life, I moved from being a victim to a survivor!” explains Rosie Motene.  “It took me 9 years to deal and heal from an abusive relationship. My participation in The Vagina Monologues made me realise a number of things -  It wasn't my fault - I don't have to live with the pain - I am not alone - I could do something about it. Soon after, I got involved with POWA.  Since then, I’ve used my public status to talk about abuse, to educate and empower. I’m so proud to be able to support the One Billion Rising movement by staging this incredible production, I also have to salute our sponsors – all too often, issues around sexual violence are considered too ‘sensitive’  for corporates to support – but Eyecandy, Tsogo Sun, Royal Hairstyles, Carlton Hair Melrose Arch,  Rubicon, Spa @ Melrose and Nia have all been unflagging in their support, and for that, we thank them.”

Marang Setshwaelo @  Dreamcatcher | Marang@dreammultimedia.co.za

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