The Vagina Monologues return to UH Hilo!

The 2008 University of Hawaii at Hilo V-Day "Stop the Violence" benefit production of Eve Ensler‘s The Vagina Monologues is scheduled for February 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. This performance celebrates the 10th anniversary of the play that has been performed globally to end violence against women through changing lives, laws, political perspectives and individual hearts and minds.

The Vagina Monologues has become part of Hilo‘s response to the escalating reports of domestic violence, rape, child abuse, and sexual assault. Since its inception, V-Day has raised over $50 million for local communities and generated increased media coverage on these issues. Local productions have raised approximately $10,000 over the last four years for programs in East Hawaiʻi.

This year the V-Day 2008 Spotlight Campaign, the global initiative, focuses on the women of New Orleans and the Gulf South. These women—Katrina Warriors—have come to symbolize the universal plight of women in conflict zones: high levels of violence; economic hardship; racism; and public structures that failed to protect them. Katrina Warriors also highlight the dire need for resources to this devastated community.

The Vagina Monologues will be directed by Kalyan Meola and Laura Acevedo and coordinated by Beverly Tese, a first year student at UH Hilo. The cast of 26 includes students, staff, and community members. It is sponsored by the UH Hilo Women‘s Center in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Tickets are currently available at the UH Hilo Women‘s Center, CD Wizard, the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Box Office, and The Girl Next Door. Ticket prices are $12 general, $10 seniors, $6 students. All proceeds will go to benefit local agencies that work with issues of violence against women. Past recipients include Turning Point for Families, the S.A.R.A.H. Foundation, and the UH Hilo Women‘s Center.

V-Day is a non-profit organization that distributes funds to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs that are involved in issues of violence against women and girls.

For more information about The Vagina Monologues, or to become a sponsor, contact the UH Hilo Women‘s Center at 974-7306 or uhhwomen@hawaii.edu.