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The Vagina Monologues in Oro this year has an added twist - the sign language version. By Mark Francisco
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| Sunday, February 17, 2008
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The Vagina Monologues has been a familiar annual event in Cagayan de Oro to raise funds and at the same time awareness in fighting violence against women.
This year, there will be an added twist though – there will be a woman on the side of the stage who will translate The Vagina Monologues on March 8 into sign language.
The Vagina Monologues organizer Denise Aguilar who claimed she’s part of the all-women ensemble when Ensler’s famous medium first hit the shores of Cagayan de Oro in 2000 vowed this year’s celebration will be grander.
Aguilar assured there will be new monologues inserted in the play.
“This year, aside from having monologues in Binisaya, all of the monologues will be sign interpreted. So that, not only the hearing public can watch, but the hearing impaired as well....Just watch the show and see for yourself, i promise you, it is a different production with fresh ideas, new blocking, new director, new faces,” Aguilar said.
“Even the original script is altered by Eve herself, every year. Every year there is a spotlight monologue that is fit for the time and current situations of women in a given place. This year, it is entitled "Welcome to the Wetlands" for the women of New Orleans (who are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005). Spotlight monologues of the past may or may not be included,” she pointed out.
Aside from The Vagina Monologues, Aguilar will also be holding what she calls as a Vagina Cake, Cookie and Chocolate Exhibit on February 16.
It will be an exhibit among chefs in the city who could showcase cakes, cookies, chocolates and other pastries molded into shapes representing women and their causes.
Throughout the month of February and March, there will also be an all-women basketball exhibition game, fora on gender equality in various academic institutions here and an essay writing contest on women’s issues.
Aguilar is a bit pessimistic about the government’s stance on violence against women though.
“I think the government should have more programs (for women) to be given personality development and self esteem workshops, and more programs pertaining to livelihood and home & business management,” she said.
She resigned to the fact that not all violence against women in Northern Mindanao are reported.
“Even DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) or PIA (Philippine Information Agency) can't give the exact number,” Aguilar said.
In the meantime, Aguilar is urging everyone to watch The Vagina Monologues on March 8 where one of the highlights is the moaning segment.
“Yeah, it was fun doing the moaning part, but we never realized people think it to be the climax of the show,” Aguilar quipped.
Part of the proceeds of The Vagina Monologues and its supplemental activities go to DSWD.
By Mark Francisco |
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