VENTURING INTO VAGINAS. The Vagina Monologues, written by V (formerly Eve Ensler), is being shown by the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild from Oct. 13-14. (Photo from TEDWomen show)

This show has been in circulation since 1996, detailing the experiences of those who have experienced the good and bad that comes with having a vagina. Oct. 13-14, the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild will bring performances of the play to the local stage.

This isn’t the first time The Vagina Monologues has been performed in the area, previously an annual event held at the UW-Eau Claire campus in celebration of the global V-Day movement.

Written in 1994 by the Tony Award-winning playwright and activist V (formerly Eve Ensler), The Vagina Monologues has since been published in roughly 50 languages and performed in over 150 countries. As described on V's website, "(The piece) broke ground, offering to the world a piece of art like nothing it had seen before. Based on dozens of interviews V conducted with women, the play addressed women’s sexuality and the social stigma surrounding rape and abuse, creating a new conversation about and with women. ... After every performance, V found women waiting to share their own stories of survival, leading her to see that The Vagina Monologues could be more than a moving work of art on violence; she divined that the performances could be a mechanism for moving people to act to end violence."

"I never get sick of this show because each cast creates new memories. ... It's always magic. I'm happy to do it again and again."

JILLIAN PHILLIPS

DIRECTOR OF CVTG'S THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Jillian Philips, a longtime participant in local showings of the play – director of the upcoming show – said each time she has been involved, a different experience has resulted, all being extremely powerful. Philips said the play holds a special place in her heart as it gives a voice to women who are fighting to take their power back. 

“I never get sick of this show because each cast creates new memories. The fact I get to share this show that has become a piece of my soul with a new group of women and a new audience is so special to me. It’s always magic. I’m happy to do it again and again," Philips said.

Philips has been participating (directing or performing) in each local performance since 2006. Rehearsals for the upcoming show have primarily been over Zoom to accommodate the schedules of those involved, including more than a dozen people. What separates this play from others is that the script is fairly loose, and performers use index cards and binders, because these aren’t just roles they are playing; These are real-life experiences and stories.

A portion of the proceeds raised will go to local organization, Bolton Refuge House, which focuses on programs and services for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.

Performances are on October 13 at 7:30pm and October 14 at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (715) 832-7529. Keep up with CVTG on Facebook.