In its second performance since the initial pandemic restrictions began, the Mercury Players are presenting a theatrical reading of The Vagina Monologues to support Cowichan Women Against Violence. The episodic play, written by Eve Ensler in 1996, made its debut for V-Day in New York in 1998. Since then it’s been presented to a wide audience across the continent, often to raise funds for women.
“In the spirit of the history of the play The Mercury Players will be donating the proceeds from four performances of The Vagina Monologues to Cowichan Women Against Violence,” said a media release issued by the Mercury Players. “Some familiar Mercury Players faces will be on stage with added voices from the community who were invited to participate in this theatrical reading.”
The show “explores body image, consensual and non-consensual sexual experiences among other topics through the voices of various women,” said the Players.
Ensler wrote the show which is performed in a series of monologues, after interviewing approximately 200 women.
Coincidentally, only 200 people will be able to see the show as directed by Sylvia Swift and produced by Shauna Clinging, as only 50 tickets per show will be sold to in order to comply with the current provincial restrictions on audiences.
Tickets are $20 and can be bought online at Eventbrite (for an additional fee) or through Shauna Clinging by phone or text 250-510-1691 or by email at shauna.clinging@gmail.com
Show times are 7:30 p.m. for shows on Feb. 11, 12 and 14, and 2:30 p.m. for the Feb. 13 show. The Mercury Theatre is located at 331 Brae Rd. in Duncan.