'Vagina Monologues' performance March 30 to benefit Advocates to End Domestic Violence

The “Vagina Monologues” will be performed March 30 in The Bob Boldrick Theater at Carson City Community Center in a benefit for Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

Created by author Eve Ensler, “The Vagina Monologues” is an ever-changing stage production that encapsulates real women’s stories of hardship and triumph.

“I came here recently from Berkeley and immediately saw how uninformed and closed minded people were about women’s issues,” said Chris Rich, the show’s producer and director. “Every friend I have made here and many women I have spoken to, have been either molested or abused, and I found it disheartening and felt this performance would be a way to raise awareness while also supporting the very important work of Advocates to End Domestic Violence.”

Founded in 1979, Advocates to End Domestic Violence provides an array of services for battered women and children in the community.
“We now have a 51 bed emergency shelter where women and their children, if they have them, can stay as long as five months,” said Lisa Lee, the program’s executive director. ”We have found that five months is about how long it takes to get paperwork in order, because many women leave without their birth certificates, social security cards and driver’s licenses, and they need those to receive financial assistance, food and housing, set up bank accounts, get a divorce if needed.

This also gives women the time they need to heal and gain new perspective about what they’ve been through; to begin the process of moving from victim to survivor.

“Coming out of a domestic violence situation is a multi-level process,” Lee said. “And it takes time to make changes.”

The evening begins with a silent auction at 6 p.m. with curtain at 7 p.m.

“These are real women’s stories,” said Jocelyn Diaz, who will be performing one of the monologues. “While the stories can be disturbing, in the end we see hope and inspiration and how women are so incredibly strong in the face of daunting challenge. “

The Vagina Monologues is offered free of charge to anyone who wants to stage the production in support of women’s organizations through the web site at vday.org.

The show has been presented in prior years in Carson City on behalf of Advocates and features local women of all ages.

“I performed with the group that did the play in 2008 and knew when I saw auditions for this year, that I wanted to be involved,” said Tamara Holmes. “Participating helps ease my sense of helplessness about how to fix this situation; I’m doing my part.”

For Anna Sanders, a young mother of two, being part of The Vagina Monologues, besides the added perk of getting meet other strong-minded women, is the importance of the message.

“I feel sometimes like it’s a trend, as if it’s OK to be abusive to women,” she said. “I have lived in Carson 17 years and it has just been too long that this behavior has been going on.

“It’s time to have voices heard that say ‘enough.’”

The Vagina Monologues was performed about two years ago and the money raised was instrumental in helping with shelter expenses,” Lee said. “It is amazing and thoughtful the amount of support our community gives.”

For a preview, stop by the corner of Stewart and John streets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., each Thursday in March.
Tickets for The Vagina Monologues cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door, available at Adam and Eve, 3220 Hwy. 50 E., 775-841-6350; Classy Seconds, 411 Hot Springs Road, 775-841-7081; Positive Energy, 3603 Challenger Way, 775-884-3633 and Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge, at the corner of 4th and Carson streets, all in Carson City. To learn more about Advocates and how you can help, visit aedv.org or call 775-883-7654.

Photo information: Clockwise from back left, Elizabeth Contreras, Anna Sanders, Jocelyn Diaz, Chris Rich and Tamara Holmes are part of the cast of “The Vagina Monologues” to be staged March 30 as a benefit for Advocates to End Domestic Violence. Photo by Karel Ancona