RVAP and Planned Parenthood Receive Donations from Dreamwell and UUS

Iowa City - On Thursday, May 9, 2013, Dreamwell Theatre and the Unitarian Universalist Society presented a donation of $714 to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. The funds were raised through a production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues as part of the V-Day Movement, which seeks to end violence against women and girls. Executive Director Stephen Polchert and event Production Coordinator Brian Tanner along with Reverand Steven Protzman presented a check to Heidi Sloan, Regional Development Director of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.

The Vagina Monologues were co-presented by Dreamwell Theatre and the Unitarian Universalist Society on March 15 and 16. Rather than charge royalties for the play, the V-Day organization asks for a donation to their organization to help with their advocacy initiative. All other proceeds from the production are donated to local organizations that support women. In addition to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Dreamwell and the Unitarian Universalist Society also chose to donate $714 to the Rape Victim Advocacy Program. Representatives from the RVAP were not available for the presentation. The Monologues were directed by Adeara-Jean Maurice who worked with Tanner to bring the production to Dreamwell and the Society.

(Source: Dreamwell website)

The Vagina Monologues Adds Performance

Iowa City - By popular demand, Dreamwell Theatre and the Unitarian Universalist Society have added an additional Thursday performance of The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler.

Dreamwell Announces The Vagina Monologues

Iowa City - Dreamwell Theatre announces the addition of "The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Ensler to their 2012-13 Season. The show will be a powerful complement to the season, in conjunction with the theme, Ova-tion: A Season of Women's Words. Directed by Adeara Jean Maurice and co-sponsored by The Unitarian Universalist Society. Performances will be March 15 and 16 with proceeds to benefit charity. There will also be a special presentation on Valentine's Day in conjunction with The Monologues' 15 year anniversary event "One Billion Rising." Details of this event are to be announced.

The Vagina Monologues showcases real women's experiences and stories and explores the inner strength of women. The Monologues discuss attitudes, feelings and content not discussed in public as women explore issues of their bodies and share their journeys of becoming comfortable with their bodies.

Auditions are scheduled for Jan. 6, at 2:00 and Jan. 7 at 6:30 at the Iowa City Public Library. Dreamwell's production is looking for 12 - 16 actors, above the age of 16, who self identify as women. Those auditioning may prepare about a 1 - 2 minute monologue, poetry (original or otherwise), or tell a story about beauty, image or identity (original or otherwise).

The Monologues range from discussing hair, rape, love, childbirth, vagina workshops, and sex. Rehearsals will consist of group and individual sessions. Women would have to commit about 3 - 5 hours of rehearsal per week. Mature content, any cast members under 18 will need to provide parental consent. The cast will also be involved with the One Billion Rising event on February 14, Valentine's Day.