'Monologues' raise awareness locally, globally

After more than a decade and a half, the stories depicted in "The Vagina Monologues" remain essential and relevant in the eyes of director Andrea Creasbaum.

"The stories that these women had to tell and still have to tell are necessary. They're vital to all women and they touch upon subjects that are very, very close to women's hearts, close to women's bodies, close to women's sexuality, everything."

Slated to run Feb. 11 and 12 at Hammond's Beatniks on Conkey, "Monologues" is a series of dialogues and tales depicting womens' struggles, perspectives and triumphs — caused or inspired by circumstances in all corners of the globe.

Penned by American writer and performer Eve Ensler, "Monologues" made its debut in New York in 1996 and has since been brought to stages worldwide. In conjunction with "Monologues," Ensler co–founded V–Day, a foundation that raises awareness and money to combat violence against women worldwide.

Proceeds from Beatniks' "Monolgues" Feb. 11 and 12 run will go to V–Day. This year marks the fifth annual staging of Monologues at Beatniks.

In addition to directing, Creasbaum has also performed in past region "Monologues" productions.

"There's a lot of humor in it and there's a lot of sadness in it," Creasbaum said. "It runs the gamut of emotion. There's a lot of deep emotion."

For Beatniks' 2012 production, Creasbaum and Co. enlisted the talents of 18 area female thesps, which is the largest turnout in the last five years of Beatniks' "Monologues."

"It can be such a help to women," Creasbaum said. "I think that every actor should get to do it at least once. I think that every woman should get to do it at least once just to hear the pieces and get inside of the woman she's speaking about and who her work is speaking through."

In addition to V–Day, proceeds from Beatniks "Monologues" will also go to Haven House, the Hammond–based shelter for women and children. Art auctions with hors d'oeuvres are also scheduled for both performances to raise money for the two organizations.

Reservations for "Monologues" are strongly suggested. Some adult material may not be suitable for young or sensitive audiences.