The Vagina Monologues return

This February, “The Vagina Monologues,” a play by New Yorker Eve Ensler, celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The production will be staged in Kelowna on Thursday, Feb. 22 Friday Feb. 23 to help raise awareness about violence against women and children.

Director Jessalyn Broadfoot, has cast 21 local women to bring these powerful stories to life.

It’s a collection of 35 monologues based on real life accounts about vaginas. Using humour, tenderness, and raw honesty, the play celebrates women’s ownership of their bodies and sexuality.

“We encourage men to bring their favourite ladies. It’s a play for everyone. Vaginas are important to all of us,” explains Dione Russell, actor and publicist for the play. And so are the women who own them. “One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in their lifetime,” said Broadfoot. “We want to invite our community to stand united against this hugely relevant issue.”

Cast members are: Cherie Hanson, Silja Salonen, Lucie Eger, Marni Phillips, Josie Morrow, Susane Paquet, Arlene Hassan, Erin Christie, Steph Prentice, Hannah Ross, Skylah Sheppard, Kara Bentley, Rachel Mercer, Dione Russell, Tamara Logan, Vanessa Mercedes, Bex Troock, Hanne Lie Davis, Michelle Sinotte, and JessalynBroadfoot

The production team includes Danielle Oliver and Molly Gibson Kirby.

All proceeds for the play go to the Elizabeth Fry Society in support of local victims of violence and rape.

The Vagina Monologues will be held at Bean Scene Landmark on Thursday and at The Laurel Packinghouse Friday, beginning both nights at 8 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca for $15. (Door tickets are $20.)