3/20 & 21: HOPE's Fund - Raiser in Rosendale

It's been more than 10 years since Eve Ensler premiered her string of interconnected monologues celebrating that singular aspect of the female anatomy at a small theater in the West Village, spawing the global V-Day Movement that has raised over $50 million for women's anti-voilence groups through performances of The Vagina Monologues.

For two nights this month in Rosendale, a troupe of 12 local women directed by Eva Tenuto will perform the Monologues as a benefit for HOPE's Fund, a local women's support and empowerment organization.

The performers include many local notables, including Susan Zimet (politician), Joan Morgan (author), Julie Novak (musician and New York House art director), Sharon Breslau (actress), and Kimberly Kay (radio personality).

The play itself, at turns hilarious and deeply disturbing, is the product of 200 interviews Ensler conducted with women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women.

The Vagina Monologues will be staged at 8 PM on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at the Rosendale Theater, 401 Main Street, Rosendale.

Admission is $25 for general seating or $50 for a VIP ticket, which includes a pre-show reception, T-shirt, and membership in HOPE's Fund.

For advance tickets, send an e-mail to cooperc@hvc.rr.com or call the United Way of Ulster County (845- 331-4199).

(excerpted from a 3/09 Chronogram article by Brian Mahoney)