A former Richmond student is taking to the stage this weekend as she performs in UBC’s Vagina Monologues.
Jennifer Tong, who was born and raised in Richmond and graduated from McMath Secondary, is one of 14 women performing in the production which she says is about “empowering women and raising awareness of violence towards women.”
The original Vagina Monologues were written and first performed by Eve Ensler in 1996. Now, women in colleges across the world continue to perform Ensler’s work, sometimes including their own original elements in the production.
This year, UBC’s Vagina Monologues will feature the Cherokee Morning Song to acknowledge the unceded land the performance is taking place on. There will also be a musical number titled “Quiet,” by MILCK, which Tong says has become an anthem for the annual women’s march.
“It’s a really important piece of theatre that people should know about,” Tong told Richmond News, also pointing out that the performance is a celebration of women’s bodies. “We want to raise awareness about ending violence against women.”
All ticket proceeds for the show go towards two local charities, the Sexual Assault Support Centre at UBC and Vancouver’s Battered Women’s Support Services in Vancouver.
This year’s production will run on Feb. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. For more information about the performance or for how to get tickets, visit the event Facebook page.
