THANK YOU!
First, we would like to thank God for blessing us with the opportunity of producing this play the sixth year. Next, we would like to thank our wonderful cast for making this another successful year. Without your hard work and commitment, the production would not be a success. We especially would like to thank our fiscal sponsor The Indianapolis Chapter of Indiana Black Expo. We value the work you do in the community and appreciate the opportunity to partner with you. Last but not least, we would like to thank everyone that made this year’s production a success. Empowered Living Inc.
The Vagina Monologues
Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 26th, 27th, 28th, 2016 PRESENTED BY SPONSORED BY at Indy Fringe Basile Theatre 719 East St. Clair Street / Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
BOOKLET DESIGNED BY vday@dayofdesigning.com
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016 6:30 PM
FEBRUARY 27, 2016 3:30 PM
FEBRUARY 28, 2016 3:30 PM Silent
ABOUT V-DAY
V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women. Over the past 17years, V-Day activists from more than 140 countries have worked tirelessly on a grassroots level to demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls. In the face of resistance, and at the intersection of art and activism, they have come together around life-saving safe houses, productions of award winning playwright Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues and other works curated by V-Day. V-Day organizers have saved lives, raised consciousness, changed laws to protect women and girls, funded rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters (often times these much needed funds kept them from closing), educated their communities, and raised over $100 million in urgently needed funds for groups doing the essential work of ending violence and serving survivors and their families.
V-DAY’S WORK IS GROUNDED IN 4 CORE BELIEFS:
1. Art has the power to transform thinking and inspire people to act;
2. Lasting social and cultural change is spread by ordinary people doing extraordinary things;
3. Local women best know what their communities need and can become unstoppable leaders;
4. One must look at the intersection of race, class, and gender to understand violence against women.
V-Day’s global campaign, One Billion Rising, has galvanized over one billion women and men on a global day of action towards ending violence against women and girls. ONE BILLION RISING: 1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history. This year we are rising for Revolution to change the paradigm, demand accountability, justice and systematic CHANGE. We invite you to join us: www.onebillionrising. org #Rise4Revolution
V-Day has received numerous acknowledgements and awards and is, one of the Top-Rated organizations on both Charity Navigator and Guidestar.
To stay informed about events, actions, and opportunities for participation:
- Sign up for RisingMail, the movement’s online newsletter at: http://bit.ly/1iQkGZs
- Follow us on Twitter: @VDay and - Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vday
Eve Ensler Bio
EVE ENSLER is the Tony Award winning playwright, activist and author of the theatrical phenomenon, The Vagina Monologues, which has been published in 48 languages and performed in over 140 countries. Eve’s plays include Necessary Targets, The Treatment, The Good Body, and Emotional Creature. Her books include Insecure At Last: A Political Memoir; the New York Times best seller I Am An Emotional Creature, and her latest critically acclaimed memoir In the Body of the World. She is founder of V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls which has raised over 100 million dollars to end violence and One Billion Rising, a global mass action campaign in over 200 countries. Her play O.P.C. recently had its world premiere at American Repertory Theater where she will also debut and perform In the Body of the World, based on her memoir in Spring of 2016, directed by Diane Paulus. Her newest short play Avocado opened to rave reviews this summer at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and at the Latitude festival in the UK. She has written numerous articles for The Guardian, Time Magazine, Washington Post and the International Herald Tribune. She was named one of Newsweek’s “150 Women Who Changed the World” and The Guardian’s “100 Most Influential Women.”
Mission Statement
• V-Day is an organized response against violence toward women.
• V-Day is a vision: We see a world where women live safely and freely.
• V-Day is a demand: Rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation and sexual slavery must end now.
• V-Day is a spirit: We believe women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities.
• V-Day is a catalyst: By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing anti-violence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective, and legislative endeavors throughout the world.
• V-Day is a process: We will work as long as it takes. We will not stop until the violence stops.
• V-Day is a day. We proclaim Valentine’s Day as V-Day, to celebrate women and end the violence.
• V-Day is a fierce, wild, unstoppable movement and community. Join us!
Violence Against Women Statistics: The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally.
• 68% of them are trapped in forced labor.
• 26% of them are children.
• 55% are women and girls.
(2015).
Vendors
LimeLight by Alcone - Skincare and makeup
Paparazzi Accessories - Ladies fashion jewelry
Styl-ish Designs by Ravan Jay - Custom women accessories
Indianapolis Chapter of Indiana Black Expo DJ Coal Mine
Donations
Abuelo’s AMC
BRICS
Chateau de Piquie
Chicago Pizza
City Barbeque
The Collector’s Den
Crackers
District Tap
Drake’s
Firestone
Fox & Hound
Gigi Cupcakes
Great Times
Half Priced Books
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Fever
Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Pacers IRT
Madame Walker Theatre
Monical’s Pizza
Morty’s Comedy Show
Puccini’s
RICOH USA
Royal Pin
Shedds Aquarium
Skyzone
Sun Tan City
Sybaris
The Ram
The Wine Guy
Tuttle Orchid
Advertisements
presents
The Vagina Monologues Advertisements
ORDER OF PROGRAM
Silent Auc on/Vendors
Welcome
The Vagina Monologues Thank You
Silent Auc on/Vendors
MONOLOGUES
({Narrator}) // Desaree
({Introduction}) // Gerrian, Desaree, & Hannah
({Hair}) // Ebony & Jenni
({The “Wear and Say” Lists}) // Barbara, Gerrian, & Hannah
({The Flood}) // Melissa
({The Vagina Workshop}) // Jenni
({Vagina Happy Fact}) // Hannah
({They Beat The Girl Out My Boy, Or So They Tried})
// Sherrice (Jenni Friday), Melissa, Sarah, Ebony, Mahja
({Because He Liked to Look At It}) // Sarah
({Not-So-Happy Fact}) // Hannah
({My Angry Vagina}) // Sherrice (Ebony Friday)
({My Vagina Was My Village}) // Mahja
({My Short Skirt}) // Keyona
({The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could}) // Lynell
({Reclaiming Cunt}) // Melissa
({A Six-Year-Old Girl Was Asked…}) // Deborah & Barbara
({The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy}) // Jenni
({I Was There In the Room}) // Barbara
({My Revolution Begins in the Body})
// Sherrice (Ebony Friday), Lynell, Gerrian, Keyona, Sarah, Hannah, Desaree, Ebony, Barbara, Mahja, Melissa, Deborah, Jenni
EMPOWERED LIVING, INC. presents
The Vagina Monologues
Actress’
Biographies
Bios Of V-Day Actresses
Ranada Dalton (Co-owner of Empowered Living) I am Ranada, 1/3 owner of Empowered Living. This is my seventh year participating in V-Day. Every year it’s an honor to work with the amazing volunteers and supporters who make this production the success that it is.
My vagina would actually have a sound track, “The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3” by Jill Scott. This album culminates the complexities of my vagina, the various highs and lows.
The advice I would give my younger self would be:“people pleasing will never benefit you, so spend that time developing the true essence of who you are; carry yourself as a Princess because your Father is The King; and be a better steward over your blessingbecause the alternative sucks.”
Athena Salisbury (Co-owner of Empowered Living) I am whowords can’t describe-mother, entrepreneur all woman-just Devine. A sister, a friend, a daughter, A Queen and some occasions can be a little mean.On the day my breathing is complete, I just want my God to be proud of me.
If my vagina had a theme song, I'm thinking it would it be: “Yearning For Your Love” -that’s she wants, to be loved deeply. If could I would give advice to my former self –“Stand for more, don’t give up -let nothing stop, halt or disrupt my journeyperiod!”
Joni Morse (Co-owner of Empowered Living) I am pleased to say I'mone of theco-owners of Empowered Living Inc. I am a deliriously proud mother and grandmother of one son and grandson. I thank God for their love and support. I love being a part of such a noble cause which this makes our 5th year. I'm also a Marriage and Family Therapist who has passion for the work especially being able to see positive movement in my clients.
If my vagina had a theme song, I believe it would be "I'll Take Care of You" performed by Beth Hart, because I believe women (vaginas) rock the world and the cradle as well.
If I could give advice to my former self, it would be to "stay encouraged and have faith in God (or your Higher Power) and the power of loveand everything will be alright."
Bios Of V-Day Actresses
Jenni White(Hair: Therapist, The Vagina Workshop, They Beat the Girl Out of my Boy-Or So They Tried [Friday], The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy, and My Revolution Begins in the Body) Jenni White is honored to be performing in The Vagina Monologues for the 19th time in 14 years.She says, “This show changed my life –that’s why I keep doing it! It brought me my miracle son Zion, after being deemed infertile. It gave me a connection to and a passion for fighting to end domestic violence, and where I work (CoburnPlace). It helped me to identify as lesbian and come out –loud and proud. It truly helped me find my voice again.” Jenni is ever-grateful for all the strong, powerful women in this incredible production and in her life.
Her advice to her younger self: just keep swimming. Her vagina theme song is “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.
Keyona Young (My Short Skirt and My Revolution Begins in the Body) Hello my name is Keyona. I'm 23 and I'm an active singer, dancer, songwriter, actress and poet. If there was something I would tell my youngerself it would be to never give up and believe in yourself.
If there was a song to choose for my Vagina I would name is “Love Her Completely” because I want my Vagina to be loved.
Mahja Zeon (They Beat the Girl Out of my Boy-Or So They Tried, My Vagina Was My Village, and My Revolution Begins in the Body) As a Deputy Prosecutor with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Mahja specializes in juvenile dating violence and sexual assault cases. Mahja is on a mission to spread awareness and stop dating abuse before it starts! Not only does she prosecute juvenile offenders, she travels throughout Indianapolis educating youth and parents about the topic.
Originally from Liberia, Zeon grew-up in Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree in economics and political science from Valdosta State University, and her law degree from IU Maurer School of Law.
1. IfmyVagina had a theme song, what would the title beandwhy?
“None of Your Business”/Salt-N-Pepa. First, Salt-N-Pepa rocks. Second, my vagina is mine and everything about her is none of your business. #youwishyouknew
2. IfIcould turn back time, what's the1 piece of adviceI’dgive mypast self? “Your past will not dictate your future.” #YOLO
Bios Of V-Day Actresses
Melissa Booker (The Flood, They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy-Or SO They Tried, Reclaiming Cunt, and MyRevolution Begins in the Body) I am a 33 year old wife and mother. I am a V-Day virgin and have enjoyed every experience with this production. One question asked was if my vagina had a theme song what would it be and why: I have to giggle a bit and say Destiny's Child “Survivor”.As a small child I too experienced certain things that just should not happen to anyone, especially a child. I feel we have survived many trials from my childhood through young adult up to birthing 2 beautiful girls and the song is a perfect theme song!
Last question: If I could turn back time I would certainly say,“be patient to my future self!”Everything happens for reason, and with time you shall see why. These monologues are a wonderful thing to empower and teach women everywhere that what we have we should value.
Barbara Davis (The Wear and Say Lists, A Six-Year-old girl was asked, I Was There in the Room, My Revolution Begins in the Body) I am Barbara A. Davis, a cast member for five years. My vagina theme song in this time is “Everyday”by Darwin Hobbs. Why? It sums up the totality of my Life.
In Summary itstates:“I know that Everyday comes rain or shine, Is mine, oh mine…People say I’m crazy for the things I do And the way I put my trust in you…”
“They don’t understand that’s the way we roll…I’ve something wonderful, wonderful…Oh…They can’t take it from me. God got something marvelous, marvelous…It’s going to be alright, It’s going to be alright. Everyday, Everyday …”
Myself today would tell Myself of yesteryears: Embrace, exhilarate in the Essence of You. Dance in the Rain And the Sunshine. Don’t let Anything or Anyone Determine You or Your Life’s Destiny. You be the Captain of you Life’s Journey and Allow God to be the Master.
Sherriece Harris (They Beat the Girl Out of my Boy-Or So They Tried, My Angry Vagina, and My Revolution Begins in the Body)
My name is Sherriece Harris and this is my 2nd year participating in the Vagina Monologue! If my vagina had a theme song it would be “Happy!” My vagina is in a very “Happy” place right now! We as women go through and put our bodies through a lot!We don’t realize how important is it is to make sure that our Vagina’s are just as happy as we are! If I could turn back time, and give my past self a piece of advice, it would simply be to “WAIT!”
Bios Of V-Day Actresses
Deborah Howard (A Six-Year-old girl was asked and My Revolution Begins in the Body) Myvagina’s theme song would be by Jill Scott, “A Long Walk”Let’s take a long walk around the park after dark find a spot for us to spark…Verbal conversation share our situation, relaxation…” Why this song? It’s what I’m feeling. I would tell my young self…“Love yourself,you Are Special Old self... Know you Are Very Special.”
Desaree Jones (Narrator, Introduction, and My Revolution Begins in the Body) My name is Desaree Jones. This is my 4th consecutive year participating in V-Day. I am an Indianapolis native with a passion for art and fashion design.
If my vagina had a theme song it would be "Proud of You" by Drake. The lyrics speak of an empowered woman who gains focused success only in addition to being attractive.
I would tell my past self to “try to love me as GOD loves me. Because the individuals that have your attention now will soon no longer be as beneficial as you once thought them to be.”
Gerrian Greenwade-Jones (Introduction, The Wear and Say Lists, My Revolution Begins in the Body) I am the proud mom of a beautiful 14 month old that teaches me something new every day and feel blessed to have a loving husband that makes me feel sexy and beautiful.I am excited to be a part of the Vagina Monologues this year and this is my 4th time as a participant.
If my vagina had a theme song, I'm thinking it would be Beyoncé's, "Who Run the World" because I believe that my vagina is powerful and is in charge.
And if I could give advice to my former self it would be to "exercise and put down the donut."I'm looking forward to a great show this year and feel privileged to be part of a movement that empowers women!
Hannah Jones-Reed (Introduction, The Wear and Say Lists, Vagina Happy Fact, Not-So-Happy-Fact, and My Revolution Begins in the Body)
1. If my vagina were a theme song it would be “One Love” by Bob Marley because…simply put…it’s legendary.
2. If I could turn back time, Iwould advise my past self to…“be confident, not cocky…love yourself a little more todaythan you did yesterday…and take as many selfies as possible to share your beauty with the world!” xoxo~
Bios Of V-Day Actresses
Sarah Roberts (They Beat the Girl Out of my Boy-Or So They Tried, Because He Liked to Look At It, and My Revolution Begins in the Body) Sarah graduated from the School of Public Health at Indiana University and currently works asa Quality Systems Specialist in the biomedical field. She resides in downtown Indianapolis. This is her first time performing the Vagina Monologues.
Theme song: "None of Your Business" by Salt-n-Pepa. Because, well... Advice: “Step out of your comfort zone. Frequently.”
Ebony Singleton (Hair, They Beat the Girl Out of my Boy-Or So They Tried, My Angry Vagina [Friday], My Revolution Begins in the Body) My 2nd year being apart of this production and I am grateful for the opportunity to help convey the 200 women involved with the Vagina Monologues stories. I also want to thank my husband for always being supportive of my endeavors. My vagina’s theme song would “Giving You the Best That I Got” by Anita Baker. I would tell my younger self to “be patient, live freely, lover deeply and sincerely…and SAVE MORE MONEY!!”
Lynell Westbrook Gates (The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could and My Revolution Begins in the Body) Executive Director of Restoring Our Sisters Environment , the R.O.S.E. Project, Lynell is a long-time advocate for women and children. She is a wife and mother of 3. Lynell’s vagina theme song would be Jill Scott’s “Wild Cookie”, because her cookie can rulethe world. A sad vagina or cookie equals no sprinkles of joy for anybody.
Yet on the other hand, she knows her worth. So, her vagina, she embraces her, she celebrates her, and she watches the world admire her as she accomplishes greatness. Just stay on her good side, and don’t let the necessary occur.
If Lynell could turn back in time, to advise herself on 1 piece of life, she would tell herself that “she is fearfully and wonderfully made and not everyone deserves to enjoy every part of her.”Reiterating that she is her most prized possession.
