New work from The Vagina Monologues's Eve Ensler is to premiere at the New Players Theatre this February in a series of benefit performances as part of the London celebration of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls.
A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer is a collection of writings, edited by Eve Ensler, from a varied range of talents from the worlds of theatre, film and literature. The performances at the New Players will comprise a selection of ten witty, gritty, moving and hard-hitting tales by writers including Susan Miller, Edward Albee, Lyn Nottage, Michael Cunningham and actress Kathy Najimy.
The six show gala event will also include three performances of Eve Ensler’s original theatre sensation, The Vagina Monologues, which has toured the world and gained a reputation as the ultimate girl’s night out. The Vagina Monologues will feature Ninia Benjamin of BBC3’s 3 Non-Blondes and Nadira Murray (The British Ambassador’s Belly-Dancer).
Both shows will be directed by award-winning film director Emma Jane Richards, who will be making her stage debut.
V-Day, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in the UK this year, is a global movement established by Eve Ensler. It aims to promote creative events that increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of anti-violence charities working with women. The movement encourages people to organise events on or around 14th February to benefit charities working to end violence against women.
These gala performances form part of the programme of events being organised by the V-Day London campaign in support of their chosen charities for 2009. The charities are: UNICEF Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign; The Helen Bamber Foundation which helps survivors of prostitution trafficking to the UK; Tender who specialise in drama projects in schools aimed at reducing domestic violence and sexual abuse; The Woman’s Trust; The Ubuntu Education Fund and Women and Children First. V-Day London is organised by Annie Saunders and Emma Jane Richards.
Producer Annie Saunders said: "Since its inception, V-Day has raised over $60 million worldwide for charities working to end violence against women and girls, but there is still much to be done, both here in the UK and around in the world. We are delighted to be able to stage Eve Ensler’s unique works as part of V-Day London and raise funds for these exceptional charities."
The play runs from 17-21 February and tickets can be purchased from www.newplayerstheatre.com.