Baltimore, MD - UMBC's Theatre Department presents The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, directed by Rebecca Brown. Lauded as "a funny, heartbreaking work" by critic Susan Thomsen, this production asks its audience to listen to honest, moving and often hilarious stories from a broad spectrum of women. From interviews with over 200 women of all ages and from all social-economic classes, Ensler created a play using personal narratives infused with universal resonance. Accessible to all audience members, the work gives hope to those who have been victims of violence and hatred and realizes the inherent need within us all to celebrate our uniqueness and humanity without humiliation.

Published in 1997, The Vagina Monologues won an Obie Award that year and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. It had a hit run off-Broadway and has been touring throughout the country and internationally, including performances in Jerusalem, Zagreb, and London. Sold out performances in New York and Los Angeles have included the talents of celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Angelica Houston, Winona Ryder, and Gillian Anderson.

Since its publication, The Vagina Monologues has been performed primarily on or around February 14th (also known as V-Day), bringing attention to issues of violence against women across campuses and communities internationally. Breaking with the traditional date for the performance, the UMBC production will nevertheless benefit the Baltimore based House of Ruth shelter by asking for cash donations during the run of the show. A Spring UMBC performance is currently being organized to celebrate V-Day 2000.

Tickets are $6 general admission. Cash donations will be accepted to benefit the House of Ruth during the run of the performance. For information and reservations, please call the UMBC Theatre box office at (410) 455-2476. For general information about the play and upcoming national performances, please visit www.vaginamonologues.com.