ROA , LEDESMA AND SEGUERRA. Boost “TVM’s” woman power.
Despite its trailblazing success, Eve Ensler’s Obie award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” remains a polarizing piece—even for top female artists and women leaders. We have acted alongside Boots Anson-Roa in a stage production (“Be Not Afraid”) and an indie film (“Ganap Na Babae”)—but, we knew that asking her to do a monologue for “V-Day Manila 2012,” which goes onstage at Music Museum on March 31 (call 891-9999, 721-0635 or 896-6695), would be a dicey proposition.
Out of the box
After all, despite the relevant themes it bravely tackles, the play can also be dauntingly risqué for any “wholesome” actress to essay. When we e-mailed the monologue on childbirth to Tita Boots, however, she immediately agreed, because while it’s true that “TVM” is “out of the box for me, it’s always been on my bucket list.”
ROA , LEDESMA AND SEGUERRA. Boost “TVM’s” woman power.
The “relatively adventurous” move was sealed after she read “I Was There In The Room” (performed previously by Jane Fonda, among others): “I cried after I read it for the first time, because it’s forceful, yet it resonates with pathos. I can relate to it, because I’m a mother. Even my two daughters are mothers now!”
Kuh Ledesma’s participation is another pleasant surprise: “Kuh is a close friend whom I’ve known even before I did ‘Miss Saigon,’” Monique Wilson, who’s codirecting the show with us, intimated. “I was thrilled when she finally said yes, because she has also been effecting changes in her field. Plus, there’s something special about sharing these monologues with your closest friends.”
Another V-Day newbie is Aiza Seguerra. Monique noted, “We’ve seen her grow up and evolve as a role model for young women. Her presence in the show is important, because it will no doubt inspire other girls to come into their power and not be afraid of it!
ROA , LEDESMA AND SEGUERRA. Boost “TVM’s” woman power.
“The cast includes a lot of formidable women who are doing V-Day for the first time. It’s going to be amazing when we all come together onstage! This year, we’re doing the show for the benefit of our ‘comfort women’ lolas, who have yet to get an apology or reparations from the Japanese government—so, it’s our obligation to keep their stories alive!”
For our part, we have directed many “TVM” actresses here and in other parts of Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan)—but, the show continues to excite us, especially with the outstanding women who are joining the V-Day fray this year.
Exciting cast
WILSON. “We have to keep these stories alive.”
Aside from Wilson, Roa, Ledesma and Seguerra, the exciting cast also includes (in no particular order) Tami Monsod, Pinky Amador, Joy Virata, Juno Henares, Madeleine Nicolas, Sheila Francisco, Roselyn Perez, Gina Wilson, Mae Paner, Leah Navarro, Ces Drilon, Bibeth Orteza, Dolly Anne Carvajal, Cynthia Alexander, Ampy Sietereales, Christine Carlos, Mailes Kanapi, Christine Escudero, Angela Padilla, Anna Leah Sarabia, Emmi de Jesus, Liza Maza, Edna Aquino, April Celmar, Nikki Ventosa, Denise Bontogon, Ronalou San Pedro, Dr. Marilyn Ruaro, and Sining Lila.
Monique further reiterated, “We have to continue giving women a voice, to break the culture of silence and shame surrounding rape and abuse. We started doing the play over 12 years ago—but, while it’s true that the movement has had incredible moments of triumph, violence toward women has not ended. There’s still so much to be done!”