Gateway Playhouse continues its Community Spotlight season with Eve Ensler’s groundbreaking “The Vagina Monologues,” an intimate and thought-provoking production that has inspired audiences around the world for nearly three decades. Performances will take place 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, and 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
Bold, empowering and deeply human, “The Vagina Monologues” gives voice to real stories from women around the world through humor, honesty and raw emotion. The play explores topics such as consent, sexual violence, reproductive rights, genital mutilation, sex work, aging, love, and identity while celebrating strength, resilience and the shared experiences that connect us all.
Created in 1996, “The Vagina Monologues” has become an international movement, raising awareness of violence against women and girls while serving as a catalyst for education, advocacy and healing. Traditionally presented as a benefit production, Gateway Playhouse will donate $1 from every ticket sold to Avanzar, the Atlantic County nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Following the matinee on Aug. 23, audience members are invited to stay for an optional talkback featuring cast members and a representative from Avanzar. The discussion will explore the themes from the play, their relevance within the local community and the cast’s experience performing these powerful monologues. Avanzar will also have information available to learn more about the organization’s services and mission.
“‘The Vagina Monologues’ is a brave piece of theater,” said Director Kim Tucker, who said accepting the opportunity to direct the production required careful reflection because of its emotional depth and fearless honesty. “As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and someone whose family spans the gender spectrum, I know firsthand how shame can silence people. The more we don’t talk about these experiences, the more they’re allowed to continue. Sharing our stories may make some people uncomfortable, but it also empowers others to find their own voices.”
The production features a diverse cast ranging in age from women in their early 20s to performers in their 70s, reflecting the play’s representation of a broad spectrum of experiences. Among the cast is a 75-year-old transgender woman, whose participation underscores the production’s inclusive spirit and message that every voice deserves to be heard.
“‘The Vagina Monologues’ is exactly the kind of work we created our Community Spotlight series to make room for,” said Katie Calvi, board chair of the Gateway Playhouse. “This series gives us the opportunity to spotlight important voices, share stories that can create meaningful conversations and bring awareness to a local organization working directly in our community. Kim Tucker has brought tremendous heart and intention to this production, and partnering with Avanzar allows us to take that conversation beyond the stage and directly support an organization doing the impactful work.”
Tickets are $15 and available at the Karen S. Sutherland box office or at GatewayByTheBay.org. Information on Avanzar can be found at AvanzarNow.org. The Gateway is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point.
