The acclaimed stage production The Vagina Monologues is coming to the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah.

Performed by the Lismore Theatre Company (LTC), The Vagina Monologues is based on interviews with 200 women.

First performed in 1996, the play is a series of individual monologues and four group pieces.

It explores consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences, body image, genital mutilation, direct and indirect encounters with reproduction, vaginal care, menstrual periods, sex work, and several other topics through the eyes of women with various ages, races, sexualities and other differences.

For this production, Director Sharon Brodie has selected 10 local women to present 12 monologues by characters aged from 16 to 72 and four group pieces.

Sharon Brodie has directed The Vagina Monologues two times over the past eight years, each time varying the monologues and the group pieces.  

“I love presenting The Vagina Monologues to audiences because it combines my passion for theatre with my commitment to human rights,” she said.

“These stories are educational, empowering and powerful and they can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Actors in this production include actors familiar to LTC audiences, Elyse Knowles, Beth Hobbs, Kashmir Miller, Natalie Havilah, Sarah Jane Loxton, Megan Lester, Jenny Dowell and Sivi Tuioro, and newcomers, Mechelle Anderson and Ajita Cannings.

Elyse Knowles has participated in The Vagina Monologues previously and said “it is truly an honour to be involved in the Vagina Monologues for the third time”.

“The beauty of this show is that it not only deals with the experiences of women in the world but it continues to evolve over time and as each new person brings it to life,” she said.

The youngest member of the cast, Kashmir Miller said being a part of The Vagina Monologues “is an empowering experience”.

“It has made me think about the power of womanhood and sisterhood in new ways,” she said.

“My piece explores contemporary attitudes towards young women, and it’s been a pleasure so far learning with my character how to embrace yourself and become free from others perceptions.”

The show is confronting, poignant and funny and while there are references to sex and violence and some coarse language, it is suitable for mature teenagers.

The Vagina Monologues runs from November 29 until December 8 (Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 2pm) at The Rochdale Theatre, 603 Ballina Road, Goonellabah.

Ticket costs: Adult $23, Concession $17, Members $17

Bookings can be made at http://www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au or http://bit.ly/VMbookings

Fundraiser

The Saturday 30 November performance of The Vagina Monologues is a special fundraiser for Heartfelt House. Friday 6 December will have Auslan interpreters. 

To purchase a ticket ($25) for this special night of The Vagina Monologues, please contact Heartfelt House on 66288940 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8am-3pm.  

Heartfelt House provides telephone counselling and support and holds 18 week therapeutic group programs that address the impacts of abuse on participants’ daily lives. The organisation also delivers three hours seminars for family and friends to assist them in supporting survivors and managing self care. Seminars can be arranged for professional people working with survivors in other work spheres.

Lismore Theatre Company is proud to make a donation to a worthwhile charity. 

Previous shows this year have benefited Jodie’s Inspiration, Beyond Blue, Dementia Australia and the Australasian Order of Old Bastards.