Playwright V (formerly known as Eve Ensler) wrote the first draft of The Vagina Monologues in 1996 following interviews she conducted with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women.
The interviews began as casual conversations with her friends, who then brought up anecdotes they themselves had been told by other friends; and this began a continuing chain of referrals.
Written in response to growing up in a violent society, V said the play has been updated several times since and changed from a celebration of vaginas and femininity to a movement to stop violence against women.
This was the start of the V-Day movement, which became a worldwide phenomenon.
It has never been more timely than now, with the emergence of the Me Too movement in recent years and continuing violence against women.
A new staging of the play will take centre stage at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre from June 27-July 5.
The trailblazing work continues to resonate in 2025, as conversations around gender equality, bodily autonomy, and gender-based violence remain urgent.
The series of monologues has been directed by Kathryn Peterson and features an all-female creative team and cast.
Bringing V’s words to life are Buggy Andrews, Cheryl Andrews, Sally Bartley, Lennore Elliott, Tina Findlay, Nicky Grant, Fiona Kelly, Rhiannon Power, Jacs Roy, Jo Vandyke and Fleur Melody.
Red Tree Theatre’s production invites audiences to bear witness, laugh, cry, and reflect on what it means to listen – really listen – to women’s voices.
It contains strong language and addresses themes including sexual violence, abuse, trauma, and identity.
There will be seven performances from June 27-July 5 at Red Tree Theatre, 160–162 Pacific Hwy, Tuggerah.
For bookings go to www.redtreetheatre.org.au
