‘Vagina Monologues’ opens outdoor stage series
After a sold-out run at Timucua Arts Foundation in March, “The Vagina Monologues” will return to Orlando for an encore performance at 9 p.m. today at the Fringe’s Outdoor Stage in Loch Haven Park.
The Outdoor Stage, which is an additional venue to the indoor venues at the Fringe, features performances that are free to attend.
Outdoor Stage producer Kayla Kelsay Morales said the stage will host more than 50 artists this year.
“It’s just a wonderful addition to all the theatrical experiences you can see inside,” said Morales, who is excited the “The Vagina Monologues” is back.
The groundbreaking play, written by Eve Ensler, explores a variety of different topics — from menstrual periods to sexual assault — through the eyes of different women.
Director Jaimz Dillman said the topics presented in the script need to be talked about.
“I can’t tell you how many women, even in the cast, from like (age) 65 down, are still embarrassed to say the word vagina,” Dillman said. “It’s a medical term.”
She knew the opportunity to present the production on the Fringe’s outdoor stage would be a good option because it makes it free and accessible to everyone.
“I know a lot of times ticket prices hinder some people’s availability to do it,” Dillman said.
When the production was presented in March, it raised more than $4,000 for One Heart Women and Children, an organization that works to provide necessary resources for struggling families in the Central Florida region.
Though it is a free show, the cast will be collecting donations at the end of the show, Dillman said.
“With everything that’s happening, and social injustices that are going on revolving around women’s reproductive rights, this round is going to benefit Planned Parenthood,” Dillman said.
Joahnie Garner-Diprizio, who is performing in the production, said she attended the sold-out performance in March and was very moved by what she saw.
“I’m excited to see it find its way back into Orlando theater culture,” Garner-Diprizio said. “Jaimz is doing really important work.”
Jennifer Welsh, who is returning after performing in Dillman’s original production, said the play is a great conversation starter.
“It is just such an incredible opportunity to hear different perspectives on a very unifying thing that we all have together,” Welsh said.
Welsh said she gets to say the “c-word” in front of a new group of people.
“I had to call my grandmother and make sure it was OK,” Welsh said. “I told her it was for charity.”
She said it comes down to not giving the word power.
“It’s about reclaiming the conversation,” Welsh said. “And saying ‘No, I am not going to be embarrassed to have these discussions.’ ”
Brenna Arden, who is also performing in the production, said society needs to talk about taboo subjects.
“I think it’s very important that everyone’s eyes are open about it,” Arden said.
“And I think Fringe is the perfect place to continue to talk about it,” Arden continued.
Dillman said she is most excited to keep the conversation going.
“There’s often times people will get riled up and fight against something,” Dillman said. “And then, you know, the hubbub dies down. And then we kind of forget about things.”
She said the most important thing about issues that affect not only yourself, but future generations to come, is to keep it in people’s minds.
“You have to keep it at the forefront,” Dillman said. “If we continue the conversation and keep people thinking about it and talking about it, when voting does come around, we hopefully make progressive decisions.”
If you go
As part of the Outdoor Stage series, “The Vagina Monologues” will run for one performance at 9 p.m. today at the Outdoor Stage at Loch Haven Park.
Throughout the Fringe, the Outdoor Stage performances will be presented week nights from 6-11 p.m. and weekends from 3-11 p.m.
The Outdoor Stage will also have an opening reception Friday on the Lawn at the Outdoor Stage.
For a full schedule of the Outdoor Stage performances, visit orlandofringe. org/may/outdoorstage-2/.