As part of the Gender Affairs Women’s Week Celebrations, Senoj Creations will stage a production of the famous “Vagina Monologues” in Anguilla on March 9th and 10th at Paradise Cove commencing 7pm. This is not the first time such a performance has graced Anguilla’s shores. Collette Jones-Chin, founder of Senoj Creations, previously directed and performed in a rendition of the play for the Rotaract Club in 2009.
“The Vagina Monologues” is written by Eve Ensler and portrays the experiences of women through a collection of episodic monologues and dialogues. The original play first premiered in the United States in 1996. Since then, it has been run at various universities and theatres across the world. “The Vagina Monologues” was written following interviews conducted with many women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women.
This weekend’s production contains, in addition to the original script, new unique monologues written by Collette Jones-Chin to inject a more West Indian experience into the subject matter. The play itself delves into consensual and non-consensual sexual experiences, body image, reproduction, sex work, and several other topics through the eyes of women of various ages, races and sexualities.
Traditionally performed by a diverse ensemble, this weekend’s cast does not disappoint – including actresses Bree Theodore Amethyst Davis, Carlishia Philips, Keneeja Thomas, Christine Dupuis, Vanessa Croft Thompson and Collette Jones-Chin. When asked about their feelings towards starring in a play on such taboo topics, the group expressed that they felt the public needed to challenge perceptions of female sexuality and genitalia. “A woman’s sexuality is complex and deserving of celebration,” said one cast member. Others echoed the sentiment promising to do their best to represent the stories of the women who inspired the monologues.
Due to the content of the play, the audience is restricted to those aged sixteen and older. While the title suggests the truly female-centred subject of the production, the experiences presented can deepen the conversation between men and women on sexual topics. The cast encourages members of both sexes to attend.
Tickets, which are US$25, are on sale from any cast member as well as at Jewelry Max in George Hill. Attendees will receive a complimentary drink upon entry. Food and beverages will be on sale throughout the event – as well as exclusive Vagina Monologue merchandise.
