Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

In order for the human race to continue, women must be safe and empowered. It’s an obvious idea, but like a vagina, it needs great attention and love in order to be revealed. – Eve Ensler

WITH AN OPEN MIND, I went to see the play, The Vagina Monologues, at the Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles last Saturday March 7, where there was also an initial launching of a collection of monologues, A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer. Both plays consist of an ensemble of Filipino stars. I felt that there was something more to this worldwide phenomenon and provocative play. I was certain it was going to be an enlightening experience.

Eve Ensler, writer of The Vagina Monologues, has given a call to voices of shocking, heartbreaking, fearless, unique, and exceptionally human anecdotes. Every monologue in some way relates to the vagina with a recurrent theme that the vagina is a tool of female empowerment and individuality. Mostly every year a new monologue is added to highlight current issue-affecting women around the world. The play is based on dialogues with a multifarious group of women investigating the comicality, power, agony, insight, atrocity, and enigma unrevealed in vaginas.

The most significant thing about the play is the fact that it has become a catalyst for empowering women. It was through the play that V-day was born, becoming an important social movement for women to create awareness to stop the violence. V-day raises funds for organizations worldwide and also reaches out to colleges and youth.

I have attended many plays in the past, but only this play made me feel so passionately about the welfare of women. It propelled me to think, to open my eyes, to be challenged, and to take action. I’ve never felt more vibrant and more real. It has affirmed my belief that women are the primary givers and nurturers of life. We deserve respect and love.

Congratulations to the cast of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer - Dante Basco, Dion Basco, Bernardo Bernardo, Fran de Leon, Becca Godinez, Golda Inquito, Sonny Sison, John Rivera, and Minerva Vier.

Cheers to the cast of The Vagina Monologues featuring Edelyn Aubrey, Melody Butiu, Alison de la Cruz, Prosy de la Cruz, Esperanza Catubig, Jannelle So, Giselle Tongi, Tatyana Ali, Antoinette Taus, Tamlyn Tomita, Eleanor Academia, Camille Velasco, and Leslie Lewis Sword.

This production was brought to us by Ted Benito’s TRDZ Productions. Net Proceeds will benefit Bantay Bata and The Center for the Pacific Asian Family.