V-DAY CAMBRIDGE

Why are you involved in V-Day?

Marita Banda, Cambridge V-Day cast member

I’m involved with VDay because I believe that in telling our stories we open the doors for others to heal themselves by also sharing. 

I also find it very important for African-American women to speak out since we are usually silenced when it comes to certain issues. Unfortunately, in our community, it’s not ok for us to talk about being raped, or depressed or being victims of any kind. We are taught to be strong and to hide everything else which usually leads to more problems. Being a part of VDay and The Vagina Monologues has given me more confidence to address these issues and to talk about them openly and honestly with other women of color. 
I grew up in the Baha’i Faith which talks a lot about the equality of men and women and how if we are each a wing of a bird, we BOTH need to be strong in order for that bird to fly. Since women in most countries do not have a voice, I’m very proud to be a part of something big that is making that happen. I hope that through the stories in this play and the personal stories of those involved, it will encourage others to reach out and speak out. 

Why are you involved in V-Day?

Delisa Vieira, Cambridge V-Day cast member

I first saw The Vagina Monologues in college, however I did not have the opportunity to audition. Last year when I joined V-Day Cambridge Cooperative Community Production of the Vagina Monologues, I was thrilled and truly inspired by all the wonderful women who came together to work and to give the best performance for this very worthy cause to end violence against women. Here I am again, and very happy to be part of this year’s production.  I have been working as a Health Educator in sexual and reproductive health for a number of years now, so this issue is very present and current.  There is a lot of work to be done, and this is a great way for me to engage and give back to my community and to empower all the women and girls. Go Vaginas & One CV( Cape Verdean) love ({V}).

Why are you involved in V-Day?

Gilly Rosenthol, Cambridge V-Day cast member

I believe in the power of telling our stories.

As a queer activist, I used to be a member of SpeakOut, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender speakers bureau. I would go out to schools and churches and synagogues and talk honestly to people about my experiences as a bisexual woman, and allow them to ask me questions. It was amazingly powerful to feel the connections that developed, and to see people’s minds being opened, just by talking honestly and respectfully.

As an actor, I always strive to find the truth in any piece I am doing.  Even if it’s fiction, there is an emotional truth behind the words on a page that will bring a character to life, and let an audience find a connection with them.

In the Vagina Monologues, my actor and activist side can come together.  We are speaking the words of real women, women who have experienced joy and pain and love and change, and who are brave enough and honest enough to share these stories with an audience.  It is such a joy and an honor for me to get to serve as one of the voices to help share their stories.  I challenge you to come and listen with an open
mind and heart — I promise you will not go away unmoved.

Why are you involved in V-Day?

Edivane Andrade, V-Day Cambridge cast member

As a brazilian woman coming from the country of freedom, beautiful beaches and gorgeous women I am so proud and honored to be part of The Vagina Monologues for 2nd consecutive year fighting to end violence against women around the globe, despite all the beauty in Brazil there are lots of prejudice and violence against women.

I do it for my mother, sister, nieces, all my friends and any girl who needs their voice to be heard.

Being part of the show once again and meeting some fabulous and eclectics women is one of the most wonderful experience I can have. I’m looking forward to having a FABULOUS time with you ALL.