Vagina Monologues returns to Penticton

The Vagina Monologues, a play written by New Yorker Eve Ensler about aspects of the feminine experience, is being presented in Penticton on Friday and Saturday at The Cannery Stage, home of the Many Hats Theatre Co.

The Vagina Monologues is performed around the world since 1996, to much critical acclaim. For her philantropy, Enser was awarded a special Tony Award in 2011.

A local cast of 20 women will be featured in the monologues, dealing with such matters as sex, love, rape, birth, the experience of transgender women, and orgasm.

Central themes to the entire play is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.

Each year, a new monologue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. This year’s theme is “Violence in the Workplace.”

Cast members include Zara Kinash, Shannon Smith, Kiarra Whitehead, Heather Jackson, Julie Fowler, Naomi Shore, Maiya Robbie, Teresa Wiltse, Jan Little, Lisa Hall, Madison Whale, Jane Stead, Ann Doyon, Chelsea Smith, Tina Marsh, Dianne Gibson, Karla Hennig, and Laurel Burnham.

The Monologues are being presented as a fund raiser for the South Okanagan Women in Need Society, and the V-Day Movement, whose mandate is stopping the violence against women and children around the world.

Local production of the play is the initiative of Naomi Shore, who is directing this cast. She is a full-time artist, music teacher and singer/songwriter currently residing in Oliver, before heading out on tour later in the spring with her band Twin Peaks. She has been involved with the Monologues for close to a decade.

Local community organizer Laurel Burnham is producing the Penticton show.

This event is also made possible from a collaboration of sponsorships from Many Hats Theatre Company, The Nest & Nectar Restaurant, Penticton Art Gallery, Poplar Grove Winery, and Tin Whistle Brewing. There will be silent auction baskets both nights with contributions from local artists and businesses. Local crafter Cindy Giles has made some intriguing chocolate pops that will be available for sale on both nights as well.†

Tickets are available online at or in person at The Nest & Nectar restaurant (1475 Fairview Road) and at SOWINS administration office (1027 Westminster Ave W).

For additional information call 250-493-4366.