Athabasca is taking a stand to end violence against women and girls in the upcoming production of The Vagina Monologues.
The political theatre show features 20 monologues on a range of topics, from young women and girls experience getting their first period, rape as a weapon of war and genital mutilation.
Kelly Lynn Spafford, one of the The Vagina Monologues actresses, said she’s never taken part in anything like this before, but decided to take part because she thinks it’s important to open up discussion on such topics.
“Sometimes with society norms, hush, hush, keep it behind closed doors, we don’t talk about it. Then people can get into situations where they really need help and they don’t know what to do,” she said. “It’s OK to talk about our bodies, it’s OK to acknowledge some of these atrocities happen, and it’s OK to also advise there’s help and support available.”
Spafford also said she hopes they get a full house on Feb. 25 at the Nancy Appleby Theatre, so costs are covered additional ticket sales can be put towards the Prevention of Relationship Abuse Committee (PRAAC), the beneficiary of the show.
Men and women are both welcome to the show, and Spafford said, “We want everybody there”, although due to subject matter it may not be appropriate for children.
While emotional at times, Spafford said the rehearsals have been full of good energy, and even though not needed at every rehearsal the majority of actresses have shown up every time.
“There’s that acknowledgement that it’s pretty serious subject matter, and we are trying to look out for each other, but there’s lots of laughs,” she said.
Starting at 6 p.m. the evening of the show, there will also be a Women’s Fair at the theatre, showcasing a variety of local services related to women’s issues.
Jackie Shank, licensed therapist of Taking Care Counseling and Consulting Ltd. and co-ordinator of the fair, said it will be an opportunity to connect, even for those unable to attend the show.
“We’ve tried to focus on areas of interest for women – women in business, areas that sometimes are associated with women’s issues, struggles, or barriers to the workplace,” she said.
Some of the groups that will have booths at the fair include Thrive and Creating Change, a support service for those affected by relationship abuse, Athabasca Native Friendship Centre, AADAC, FCSS, Victim Services and a variety of beauty product businesses and art vendors.
In case of the subject matter bringing up past traumatic experiences, Shank also said there will be supports available before and after the show, herself being one of the therapists available and an Alberta Health Services therapist.
Tickets to The Vagina Monologues are by donation, with proceeds going towards PRAAC, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at vdayathabasca.wordpress.com
