Alan Hoskins
Sunday, February 01, 2009
College Advancement
Kansas City Kansas Community College will join the global V-Day effort to stop violence against women and girls by presenting a three-night benefit reading of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-8.
Sponsored by the KCKCC Drama Club and directed by Amy Arellano, Friday and Saturday performances will be at 8 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee in the Performing Arts Center on the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased or reserved in advance by calling 913-288-7106.
Hailed by The New York Times as “funny” and “poignant” and the Daily News as “intelligent” and “courageous,” “The Vagina Monologues” has been performed in 120 countries from Europe to Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and all of North America. First performed off-Broadway, Ensler explores the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement in women’s experiences.
Cast members include Vanessa Nicole Hall, a graduate of Turner High School; Megan Buchanan, F.L. Schlagle; Vicki Wendt, Washington; Alexandra Venable, Bonner Springs; Miranda Nichols, Lansing; Skye Reid, Baldwin; Karen Hanna, Salina; Precious Samone Johnson, Blue Springs; Cristina Ivey, Lindale, Tex.; Sharell Hall, Boston, Mass.; and Ronnita Shaw.
A global movement to stop violence against women and girls, the V-Day movement is a non-profit corporation which distributes funds to grassroot, national and international organizations that work to stop violence. In its 10th year, the V-Day movement has raised more than $60 million and been named one of Worth Magazine’s “100 Best Charities” and one of Marie Claire Magazine’s Top Ten Charities.
Last year, more than 4,000 benefits took place around the world-raising funds and awareness towards ending violence against women. This the second time KCKCC has presented a benefit production of “The Vagina Monologues.”