(Los Angeles, CA) – APRIL 2010 – Actresses from television, theatre and the cinema as well as the acting Lieutenant Governor of the State of California create an all-Pilipina cast for a one-night only benefit performance of “The Vagina Monologues”, the award-winning play based on playwright Eve Enslers’s interviews with more than 200 women. “The Vagina Monologues” celebrates women’s sexuality and strength with humor and grace and has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public. The production is set for 4:00pm on Sunday, April 25 at the Aratani Theater of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 South San Pedro Street , Los Angeles , CA. 90012.
“The Vagina Monologues: Filipinas 2010” will be performed by iconic women who are trailblazers in their respective fields. Despite busy schedules and demanding commitments, these artists will come together in unity and sisterhood to stand up against violence as part of the global V-Day movement. This will be the first, and perhaps only time, such an accomplished cast will share the stage to perform as a collective voice for women around the world. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise monies and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.
The cast of “TVM: Filipinas 2010” includes up and coming musical theatre actress and vocalist Lara Avengoza (The King and I, A Kid’s Life); Grammy award winning singer/actress Tia Carrere (television “Relic Hunter”, “Nip/Tuck” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and movies Wayne’s World, True Lies, Rising Sun and upcoming film on Hawaiian surf legend Rell Sunn); actress, recording artist and singer/songwriter Becca Godinez (Cabaret, West Side Story, Mame); actress Leslie-Anne Huff (Disney’s “10 Things I Hate About You”, “CSI:NY”, “Greek” and performer with comedy troupe RoomToImprov); recently appointed acting Lieutenant Governor for California Mona Pasquil; actress/recording artist/singer and L.A. Ovation award winner for Miss Saigon Jennifer Paz (Evita, Tommy, The Buddy Holly Story, Les Miserables, The Last Five Years and upcoming East West Players world premiere production of Road to Saigon); Tony, Laurence Olivier, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning (for Miss Saigon) Broadway star Lea Salonga (Flower Drum Song, Les Miserables and singing voice of Disney’s “Mulan” and Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin”); producer and host of L.A.’s only daily Pilipino talk show “Kababayan L.A.” Jannelle So; Drama-logue Award (for “Winter Crane”) winning actress Tamlyn Tomita (movies The Joy Luck Club, The Day After Tomorrow and upcoming Tekken, television’s “Heroes”, “The Mentalist”, “Monk” and “JAG”) and actress/singer/dancer Giselle Tongi (recently in “Nobody, Nobody But Juan” with legendary Philippine “Comedy King” Dolphy).
To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $60 million for local and international beneficiaries working to end violence against women and children. This year, “V-Day Filipinas 2010’s” official beneficiary is the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health based in the Philippines (www.likhaan.org). They are a collective of grassroots and professional activists dedicated to improving the health and rights of disadvantaged women and their communities.
“What a phenomenal cast!” exclaimed enthusiastic producer and director Ted Benito. from TDRZ Productions, Inc. “These women want to empower our community to take a stand to end violence against women, not only here but around the world. Domestic abuse and sexual violence are sensitive topics in general; but when you read about the atrocities being committed towards women around the world, it’s especially empowering to know that our artists, leaders and role models – especially because they are women -- can make a difference in their own way and that we, as a community, can join in supporting their efforts”.
To commemorate “V-Day Filipinas”, San Diego based clothing design house PNOY Apparel has created a limited edition print -- only 120 will be produced -- “I Am Filipina! Hear Me Roar!”. The black tri-blend razor back tank top, which goes for $25.00, is a lightweight, fashion forward item that captures the essence of Filipinas’ stand against violence and the message of V-Day with proceeds going to The Shirt the Kids Foundation to help impoverished children in the Philippines . To place an order, please visit www.pnoyapparel.com or www.shirtthekids.com. PNOY Apparel will also be selling the tanks at the April 25 performance.
“It is such a blessing” beamed Benito, “when we can share the opportunity to help other charitable organizations and causes within the same event. I am grateful PNOY Apparel created this unique design which captures the essence of what the monologues are about. And, I’m glad that people who purchase the tank top will also be helping the children of the Philippines in this special way.”
Media sponsors for “The Vagina Monologues: Filipinas 2010” include The Asian Journal, GMA Pinoy Television, LA18 KSCI-TV and Tribune U.S.A.
Reserved tickets for “The Vagina Monologues: Filipinas 2010” are currently on sale at the Aratani Theatre Box Office by visiting www.jaccc.org or by calling (213) 680-3700. Please visit www.vday.org for more information about the worldwide anti-violence campaign and see www.tdrz2010.wordpress.com for special insight on how “The Vagina Monologues: Filipinas 2010” was created.
