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SINGAPORE: Don't be taken in by its title - 'The Vagina Monologues' is really not as taboo a play as its name may suggest.
The Obie Award-winning episodic play originally written by American playwright Eve Ensler has been staged thousands of times all over the world in over 30 languages, and is now being played out in Singapore again, with a slightly revised script.
In fact, the play discusses women issues which are long overdue, according to director Loretta Chan.
"There is always a segment of society that will find things awkward but I think that that should not stop us from discussing things that are important," she said. "Crimes against females do happen so let's all just stop pretending that they don't.
"Statistics show that there are almost 1,200 reported cases of rape a year in Singapore - there could be more that are not reported because some girls don't dare to voice out... they may think it's their fault or that it's humiliating. As a woman, when you hear that, don't you think are we not guilty of not being too silent?"
Actresses in 'The Vagina Monologues' said the play is just bringing normal everyday issues onto stage.
Said Elizabeth Tan, one of nine actresses: "That's what theatre is about, you bring issues onto stage and you make people confront them live... it's a very raw process. The subject matter in itself is something that happens day in and day out, and we are just bringing to life what people sometimes deem as taboo but really, it's happening everyday."
The original script of three women delivering the play has been tweaked and given a local twist, with nine actresses in it this time round covering females from all walks of life.
There is the Eurasian model insecure about her weight, the submissive Indian wife, the transsexual Malay, the Chinese 'ah lian', the tomboy and the plain Jane, just to name a few.
The play is a collection of anecdotes celebrating all things feminine, described as part-therapeutic and part-informative.
It showcases light-hearted moments of women recollecting their first love, first sexual encounter and the horrors of having their first periods, while tackling serious issues such as sexual abuse, violent marriages and other unjust suffered by females.
The play also informs women to be more aware of their own bodies and do regular checks for diseases, and the importance of practising safe sex.
Despite the play's strong focus on women and everything feminine, the director isn't worried about it being too hardline feministic, and said the men will get it too.
"We don't preach but we give subtle messages to the women. I just hope after watching, the audience can be more accepting of difference, and be more aware, and don't take the security and peace in Singapore for granted.
"As for the men, during the preview we had 60 per cent male turnout and it seemed they were more affected than the women because issues in the play are mostly new to them. It's a show about females but there is absolutely zero male bashing. Anyways, there are nine women in the play so I don't see why that shouldn't entice them."
Said actress Judy Ngo: "Let's put it this way: if you are married, come and watch because you need to know more about your wife and your daughters. If you are not married, you have to watch because you need to know more about your girlfriend, you do want to get married right?"
'The Vagina Monologues', rated R18 for adult content, runs until Oct 12 at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets from S$17 to S$57 at Sistic.
- CNA/yb
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