On Wednesday 8th, May 2002, “The Vagina Monologues” opened at the Little Carib Theatre in Woodbrook. Stark and honest, sometimes shocking, sometimes surprising, but always moving, the play opened to rapturous reviews – another notch in Director Mervyn de Goeas’s theatrical bedpost.
Now, two decades later, a revival is set to take the stage at the Naparima Bowl in San Fernando. This time, the conversation continues with a new cast, a new look, and, most importantly – a new attitude. de Goeas is the Creative Director and co- director of the the 2.0 version, which is also co-directed by Cecelia Salazar.
The Vagina Monologues was written and developed by American activist, playwright, and sexual assault survivor Eve Ensler in 1996. The episodic play premiered at HERE Arts Center, Off-Off-Broadway in New York and was followed by an Off-Broadway run in at Westside Theatre. Ensler explained that “The play explores consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences, body image, genital mutilation, direct and indirect encounters with reproduction, vaginal care, menstrual periods, prostitution, and several other topics through the eyes of women with various ages, races, sexualities, and other differences.”
Since it’s original production, the play has been performed all over the world and has become the cornerstone performance for the V-Day Movement. Over the years, Ensler has added new monologues to highlight current issues affecting women around the world.
The latest TT presentation of “The Vagina Monologues” is produced by Proscenium Theatre Company – the same company that brought “Mamma Mia” earlier this year – the play runs for three performances only, from September 6th to the 8th.
The play will feature a robust, highly respected cast of Olimal Gordon-Holder, Natacha Jones, Jerry-Lee David, Renee-Michelle King and Cecelia Salazar.
Andrew Seepersad, the play’s Producer explains the ethos behind the revival as an essential voice in the conversation surrounding violence against women, social justice and other issues affecting women today: “One of Proscenium’s aims is to encourage the exploration of social issues through theatre and I felt compelled to continue creating a safe space for women. While our last production, MAMMA MIA, celebrated motherhood and family, I wanted us to raise some of the tough conversations surrounding women’s experiences and well-being. No other play has been celebrated as highly for doing this than ‘The Vagina Monologues’.”
Mervyn de Goeas Creative Director, who directed the TT production twenty two years ago explained to Vibes why he felt compelled to revisit the production “I’ve never revisited any of the plays I’ve worked on. In fact, I think it’s quite difficult for a truly creative person to go back to anything they’ve previously worked on. You’re presented with a piece of work, you put your heart and soul into it for a while – and, when you’re done with it, you simply move on. That’s the way it’s always been for me. However, when Andrew came up with the idea of remounting a new production of “The Vagina Monologues”, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be interesting to take another look at it – make it into a more immersive experience? Make it into something that involves the audience in a manner that involves the audience. Where the audience become as important as the actors?” Once that idea hit me, I was on board.
Celebrated actor and director Cecelia Salazar has focussed much of her stage career highlighting the challenges and triumphs women experience. As the Co-director and cast member, working on the play was a full circle moment. She was directed by de Goeas in several Baggasse Company Productions in the late 80’s such as “AS IS”, “Extremities” – her first ever lead role, “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” and “M Butterfly” among others. He also directed her in “Moon on A Rainbow Shawl”, “Equus” and her first singing role in the critically acclaimed musical “Mamma Mia!”
She told vibes that “Now at 60, working with Mervyn on such an important work as “The Vagina Monologues”, with such a wonderful cast of women, is a no brainer.”
Natacha Jones, who was cast in the first production reflected “I’m thrilled to once again be part of the cast for Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues”. My commitment to amplifying women’s voices has always been my objective and I’ve always been deeply passionate about sharing women’s stories to drive change and shape a more promising future for us all.”
Jerry-Lee David, was was drawn to “The Vagina Monologues” because it’s more than just a play. For her “It’s a powerful platform for expressing the diverse and authentic experiences of women. Being part of this production allows me to contribute to a conversation that is both deeply personal and universally impactful, breaking down barriers and inspiring others through the art of storytelling.”
For Renee-Michelle King, being in the play allows her to step outside of her comfort zone. “The monologues tell of the stories that matter to us. Women can connect with it and it is a bit more personal. Women can see themselves in it, and I had not done anything like that before, so I was excited to tackle the challenge of it.”
Olimal Gordon-Holder has always wanted to do the play. She told us “I was ready to go back on stage as an actor again. The opportunity presented itself via Mervyn, and so I said yes.”
“The Vagina Monologues’ will run for three performances only, at Naparima Bowl in San Fernando from September 6th to the 8th. For more information visit Proscenium Theatre Company on Instagram or WhatsApp 728 3358.
