Issue 155

Moving Monologues

08th May 2007

For the third year running the Shoreline Theatre (the Drama Society) produced the poignant play of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues in order to raise money and awareness for V Day and Swansea Women's Aid, an organisation that helps abused women find refuge and help.

Performed in a packed Monkey Bar (including large numbers of men) on Monday 30 April, seventeen actors under the direction of Kitty Hibben and Kate Ritchie portrayed the varying characters from young to old, from tragic to the comic.

The simple stage and costume allowed the audience to be captivated by superb performances, the actors had to rely on pure raw talent to impress the audience. In particular Kate Burke's portrayal of a seventy two year old woman and Jessica Jenner's emotional interpretation of the plight of the Afghanistan women under the Taliban were extremely powerful and memorable. Also there must be mention made of Kitty Hibben and Kate Ritchie who not only directed but performed with experience and confidence, especially when wearing very little.

It must be noted that while this was aimed at women it didn't leave out the men, who introduced several of the monologues.

Talking about the experience of directing, Kate Ritchie said "it was petrifying listening to the other monologues in case they messed up, but they didn't. Everyone was very easy to work with and everyone seemed to enjoy it."

The whole event included a buffet provided kindly for free by Monkey Bar and a raffle with prizes worth up to £150 all donated to help this worthwhile cause.

Kitty Hibben stated that the best thing about the event "was that it was a charity event and a good cause."

In total, Shoreline Theatre raised £600 for Woman's Aid Swansea, which is an incredible amount. A representative of Swansea Women's Aid who came to watch the nights show, Linne Sanders, enjoyed the performance and believes that the more fundraising awareness events such as The Vagina Monologues that occur the more the issue of female abuse can be addressed and overcome.

The Drama Society have had a very busy year, having produced several productions ranging from the lighthearted Christmas panto, to the more in depth production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. They also recently produced four short plays on Monday 7 April at Monkey Bar, called "1 Act Festival." Again this was a very successful and entertaining event, they really are a society with something for everyone.

If you need to contact them, their address is PO BOX 363, Swansea, SA1 2YG, there 24 hour phone number is 01792 644683. Or you can phone the National Domestic Abuse number 0808 8010800 which is free, 24 hour and completely bilingual.

If you would like more information about the Drama Society you can easily contact them at: uws_drama@hotmail.co.uk

Eleni Cashell