Article I wrote for Bangkok Monthly

Go “Down There?!” with the Vagina Monologues, Bangkok Style

This February, go “Down there?!” as V-Day Productions brings you “The Vagina Monologues,” one of the freshest, sexiest plays to hit Bangkok. This multi-award winning production is being performed in Thailand for the first time. Boasting a talented cast of 23 diverse and engaging women, “The Vagina Monologues,” is a powerful collection of real experiences and surprising facts, narrating the story of women around the world- with a profound dedication to improve it.

“The Vagina Monologues” is compelling both hilarious and extremely moving. It approaches often taboo subjects with wit, humor and heart. The play is accessible and authentic because the Monologues are all real women’s stories, based on over 200 international interviews. With such a range of perspectives, there is something for all men and women, and is sure to open your mind and heart.

Bangkok’s three not to be missed performances of “The Vagina Monologues” will be on February 27-March 1 at the Patravadi Theater, Theater in the Garden. These performances will join the tide of thousands around the world as part of V-Day’s international campaign to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is traditionally celebrated around Valentine’s Day, as the “V” in V-Day stands for “Victory, Vagina and Valentine,” thereby ideologically linking the campaign to love.
Bangkok’s performances will be fully bilingual, with monologues in English and Thai, and simultaneous translations. Designer, Marisa Baratelli, will donate the Thai-silk costumes. This historical first for Thailand is supported by local celebrities such as Natalie Glebova, Paradorn Srichaphan, and artist Doytibet Duchanee, as it was supported internationally by such well-known actresses as: Meryl Streep, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Jane Fonda.

The V-Day movement also strives to raise funding for local efforts to end violence. V-Day Bangkok has partnered with other change-making organizations, including MTV’s anti-trafficking campaign MTV EXIT, and the local Thai charity, the Emergency Home for Women and Children, part of the “Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women” under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Soamsawali. All proceeds will be donated to Emergency Home to fund their safe house and initiate a violence prevention campaign. The director of the show, Alanna Gregory, hopes the performance “will open up a dialogue about some of these issues—rape, violence, assault and exploitation—and will increase awareness about these highly prevalent problems.” At the performance you will also receive testimonies of local vulnerable demographics.

In addition to the three performances,V-Day Bangkok volunteers will hold a fundraising dinner in the newly renovated Nomad Restaurant on February 18, 8-11PM, also serve the restaurant’s debut. The event features a four-course dinner, live auction with exciting items including a painting by Doytibet Duchanee, a “sneak preview” performance, and speech by the President of Emergency Home.

The production is made possible by the loving dedication of local volunteers, and with just a little over a month to go the excitement is palpable. Volunteers’ affirmative energy is creating a powerful local community to continue the work to end violence against women in Bangkok, and everywhere. The production promises to be so sensational, it has gained international focus and will be documented for a book.

With only three performances, seating is limited, so get yours soon at www.totalreservation.com at their call center 02 833 5555 or by visiting one of their ticket offices in Victory Monument or Mo Chit. VIP ticket options insure optimal seating and include pre-show dinner. Student, group and early-booking discounts also available.
To learn more, please visit vdaybkk.blogspot.com or http://events.vday.org/2009/Community/Bangkok_(TVM). For further questions about the performance, V-Day Bangkok Merchandise and tickets, donations or to attend the fundraising dinner, please contact vdaybkk@gmail.com.