Play to benefit anti-violence organizations, raise awareness

The Garden State Players, a theater group based in Hazlet, is planning a production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues: The V-Day Campaign” to benefit 180 Turning Lives Around. The troupe is seeking women interested in helping in all areas, from performing to the production team.

“Last year I was honored to co-produce and co-direct a production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ for New Jersey AIDS Services in Morristown, and it turned out to be one of those life-changing events,” said Chuck Cutaia, Garden State Players’ artistic director. “We had a cast of 12 amazing women, none of whom were trained actors; in fact, they were average, everyday women who felt the need to make a difference in helping stop the violence. By the end of the show, the audience rose to their feet cheering. The production was a huge success.

“When Managing Director Lauren Matthews Raad and I were discussing the goals and productions of The Garden State Players, I suggested a production here in Hazlet. Lauren passionately agreed,” he continued.

Raad and Cutaia met with Barbara Napoli at 180 Turning Lives Around to learn more about the organization and the services it provides.

“We were completely blown away and impressed by the amazing work they do on a daily basis,” said Cutaia.

Founded in 1976, 180 Turning Lives Around provides a wide range of comprehensive services to women and their families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. According to V-Day’s website, V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. It promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers produce annual benefit performances of several plays, including “The Vagina Monologues,” to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities.

“Ninety percent of our ticket proceeds will go directly to 180 Turning Lives Around so we can do our part to help keep their crucial programs going. Ten percent of our ticket sales will go to the V-Day Campaign itself so this extraordinary event can continue to take place year after year … until the violence stops,” Cutaia said .

Cutaia would like to assemble a wide variety of women, with various talents and careers, “who are passionate and dedicated, to push through their normal comfort zone and wear the hat of ‘activist.’ ”

The performers will read from script cards as opposed to memorization. This convention is used in all the professional productions of the play and serves to remind the audience that these are real women’s stories, Cutaia said

The set will consist of an art installation created by women who are currently or have been affected by domestic violence. This project is being led by art therapist Corynne Wilson. “I believe in my heart ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is one of the most important pieces of theater ever written. It is filled with courage, love, determination, inspiration, a touch of sadness, and lots and lots of laughs,” said Cutaia.

Cutaia and Raad hope to make this an annual event.

Auditions, as well as an informational meeting for those interested in volunteering behind the scenes, will be held 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Cullen Center, 1776 Union Ave., Hazlet. A representative from 180 Turning LivesAround will be at the meeting to speak about the organization.

GSP is looking for actresses ages 18 and older who are willing to commit to a one-night-a-week rehearsal for about eight weeks. There is no experience needed. Additional positions available include production coordinator, producer’s and director’s assistant, as well as marketing, ushers and concessions. Due to the intensity, subject matter and strong language, Garden State Players will not be casting anyone under the age of 18.

Performance dates will be announced.

For more information, contact Lauren Matthews Raad at Lauren@Garden- StatePlayers.org or Chuck Cutaia at Chuck@GardenStatePlayers.org; call 732- 497-2998 or visit www.gardenstateplayers.org. For more information about 180 Turning Lives Around, visit www.180nj.org. For more information about V-Day, visit www.vday.org.