Theatre444 Will Present THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, A Fundraiser For Safe Harbors Of The Finger Lakes

Theatre444 will bring The Vagina Monologues to the stage, with all proceeds to benefit Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes. Eve Ensler wrote the first draft of the monologues in 1996 (there have been several revisions since) following interviews she conducted with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women. In an interview with Women.com, Ensler said that her fascination with vaginas began because of growing up in a violent society. "Women's empowerment is deeply connected to their sexuality." Ensler states that in 1998, the purpose of the piece 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 has continued strong every year since, has turned into a worldwide phenomenon, and a very successful non-profit organization. The V-Day global activist movement to end violence against all women and girls is more active than ever. Every February women all over the world ban together in this movement and Theatre444 is proud to be a part of it.

When women take the stage, incredible things happen, as their issues are voiced and confronted for all to see and hear. With a talented cast hailing from multiple cities, audiences can expect to see pieces of themselves in these characters. These brave women include Megan Carlson(Canandaigua), Richelle Coons(Lyons), Claudine Folks(Geneva), Allauna Overstreet Gibson(Geneva), Margaret Griffin(Fairport), Mary Lynn Jackson(Geneva), Christine Legott(Geneva), Mary McDonald(Romulus), Tiffany Sculi(Geneva), Wendy Varricchio Fletcher(Seneca Falls), and Madison Yearsley(Seneca Falls). The group is lead by NYS Award Winning Artistic Director Pam Rapoza. Richelle Coons serves as Stage Manager and Garrett Coons serves as Technical Director.

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 27th, 28th and 29th at 7:30pm. All performances are at the Geneva Community Center at 160 Carter Road Geneva, NY 14456. Visit www.theatre444.com to purchase limited tickets. For more information on Theatre444, visit www.facebook.com/theatre444 and like our page for updates.

Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc. provides services, at no charge, for individuals, children, and families who have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse, and interpersonal violence in Ontario, Seneca, and Yates Counties. They offer individual counseling, support groups, legal accompaniment, and personal advocacy with referrals to other local agencies; they also provide primary prevention services in schools, professional agencies, and in the communities they serve. If you are in crisis and cannot reach anyone at the office call the hotline day or night; 1-800-247-7273.