What: The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, partnered by t2

Where: Kala Mandir

When: September 3, 5pm (Hindi production), 7.30pm (English production) 

What to expect: Eve Ensler’s unparalleled feminist play, The Vagina Monologues, staged by Poor-Box Productions, is back in Calcutta, this time hosted by Round Table India, a global social organisation that is raising funds for the cause of literacy. Directed by Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal and Kaizaad Kotwal, the cast includes Mahabanoo herself, as well as Dolly Thakore, Dilnaz Irani and Swati Das.
 
Some of the more moving monologues include The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could and I Was Twelve, My Mother Slapped Me. 

Director speak: “I think we started at the right time, in 2003, when the word ‘vagina’ was taboo. Now more and more people are opening up. The subject of abuse of women has always been relevant but has always been swept under the carpet,” Mahabanoo told t2 over the phone from Mumbai. Her son, Kaizaad, agreed. “Eve herself has seen the Hindi production and though she couldn’t understand the language, she knew, by the reactions of the audience, where in the script we were. It’s so much more visceral in one’s own language and people who have seen both have admitted that the Hindi play is far more hard-hitting,” said Kaizaad. 

Poor-Box Productions is in their 14th year of The Vagina Monologues. And yes, it is heartening to know that there have always been plenty of men in the audience.

Organiser speak: “The Vagina Monologues is an intriguing play. It’s a perfect blend of humour and intellect, which will go down well in Calcutta. The proceeds will go towards the building of a school for underprivileged children,” said Harmeet Singh Sethi of Round Table India. 

Tickets: Call 9830145451 to book your seats. They’re also available on bookmyshow.com.