The Marriage Monologues
It's been a long time coming...
In 2010, I directed and performed in Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues”. Having been involved in lots of theatrical productions with full casts and huge rehearsal schedules, I fell in love with the format of the VM… rehearsals were a dream since each performer had their own monologue, so we only had to ALL be together to rehearse a few times before the production. No dialogue, no juggling of schedules, just one-on-one rehearsals where we could really dig down into the details of each performance.
At the time, I was freshly and fervently divorced after 18 years, raging at the institution of marriage and wondering why… why-oh-why… do we tie ourselves to MEN, who then demand our soul, our vag and our freedom as matrimonial currency?
I was raging…
… at my ex, but also at myself. Even in the furor of my rage I recognized that it takes two to tango, and that I had enabled, sacrificed and martyred myself in the service of… the holy union of two souls? Til death do us part? Or something-something?
I was taken with the idea of creating a play in the format of the VM, but instead focusing on cunts, I would focus on marriage. At the time, though, marriage, to me, meant shackles, shame, rage and oppression.
I shelved the idea.
I needed to percolate my angst.
Now… 15 years later… It’s time.
“I’m looking for a wide range of stories about significant relationships, that range well beyond my own personal experience.”
My goal is to talk with 100 people… women, men, all gender identities, all ages and all configurations of partnerships… to research the content for 10 monologues that I will craft into a stage play. I’m looking for a wide range of stories about significant relationships, that range well beyond my own personal experience.
And I want to have fun!
One-on-one conversations, in person, are such a delight in this age of tiny screens and shattered concentration. But… technology also enables conversations from far and wide, outside of my tiny rural community. My love-hate relationship with the digital world continues!
I would LOVE to hear from you if you’re interested in my wee project. I have a coffee date with a lovely woman next week an hour away from my home, and an upcoming zoom planned with another gorgeous soul in England. I’m sitting (in the wild wind) at my local market on Saturdays. If we can’t hook up for coffee, or zoom time, you can access my project at the link below to respond digitally.
So far? I’ve had four brilliant conversations that made me both laugh and cry. I’ll keep you posted as I make my way through the depths of relationship research, onward to 100 conversations!
Thanks for reading!
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Much love,
Libby :)