Performers in Gwangju will stage “The Vagina Monologues” next week to help raise money for a single mothers’ shelter in the city and promote awareness of violence against women.
Funds raised through the production will go to help My House (Uri Jip), a shelter for young single mothers and their children, which the group has helped since it started V-Day productions in 2012.
“This year we decided to give all the proceeds to them because we have seen their organization grow and their facilities and services improve,” said Ynell Lumantao, the production’s director.
Kristy Dolson performs during a rehearsal for “The Vagina Monologues” in Gwangju. (Paolo Mondragon)
“Also, they informed us that there have been some changes in Korean laws that have negatively affected the single mothers they are helping. Now, more than ever, we feel compelled to offer our humble contribution.”
Lumantao, has been involved since 2013, and started directing last year, when the group performed “A Memory, A Monologue, Rant and, A Prayer,” a sister play to the “Vagina Monologues.”
“We chose to do (it) because we wanted to involve male actors. It was a totally different experience because of this but it was amazing to have them be so supportive of our cause,” said Lumantao.
“The play was heavier and more emotional than ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ so this year we decided to go back to ‘The Vagina Monologues.’ Although the script hasn’t changed much, it is really inspiring to see how different performers approach and deliver the monologues.”
The group will be using the official “Vagina Monologues” script for 2016, but have made some changes.
“We have a couple of monologues which will be performed in English and Korean. The Korean version will be done by our Korean actors,” said Lumantao.
“The script also includes a transgender story which is supposed to be performed by five women, but for our show, it will be performed by only one woman. The last piece, ‘My Revolution Begins in the Body,’ which is a one woman monologue, will be performed by the whole cast.”
“We have also added some creative touches in terms of lighting and sounds.”
“The Vagina Monologues” will be performed at Yeonbaram Theater in Dong-gu on April 23 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on April 24 at 3 p.m. For ticket reservations, email gwangjuvday@gmail.com.
(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)