Even though Congress recently reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, there is doubtlessly much more work to be done to fight domestic violence, which one Bethlehem organization is looking to demonstrate through theater.
V-Day Bethlehem will perform two plays, “The Vagina Monologues” and “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer,” in Bethlehem and Allentown in the coming weeks to raise money for the YWCA of Bethlehem and Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown.
Director Kate Hughes has been a part of the group’s annual productions of the works since the chapter’s inception six years ago.
“One of the women who originally organized the plays told me about the show and told me I should audition and I ended up with a great part. Since then, I have taken it very seriously,” she said.
Among the cast members is out actor Noelle Gabovitz, who first performed in a 2004 production of “The Vagina Monologues” in college and will mark her fourth year performing with V-Day Bethlehem.
“It is often a college-based production, so when the opportunity presented itself to be a part of it, I jumped,” she said. “I just feel like people are put off by it, but sometimes I think that you have to have that ‘in-your-face’ and angry quality to motivate.”
Hughes said she has enjoyed her role as director because it allows her to help the performers with character development.
She spends one hour a week with each actor to help them grow their character.
“I really feel like I could help people cultivate and become the character that they are portraying. It is the most interesting part of acting. It makes me appreciate the actors from Hollywood who transform themselves and become someone else,” she said. “I really feel that way about our group, especially because we take the time to practice and develop the character.”
Gabovitz said that getting into character can be a challenge, but a welcomed one.
“I think anybody who has done theater knows that when you have a character, it doesn’t matter if you identify with them or not, you know when you have it in your head and when you don’t,” she said. “It is something that can be hard to fix or overcome, but you work on for the next time.”
There are a total of 20 actors in both productions, which this year will incorporate both song and a short film.
“It has changed the dynamic of it and having that visual and music has changed it into something really great,” Hughes said.
She noted that all of the actors are volunteering their time and that the local community has pitched in to donate artwork, gift cards and other prizes for silent auctions at each performance.
In the past six years, the productions have raised more than $40,000, with $9,000 brought in last year alone.
“The YWCA helps a lot of women and what they do in this area is unbelievable,” Hughes said.
This year, Hughes aims to raise more than $13,000 for both organizations.
Gabovitz said she also is eager to heighten awareness of domestic violence in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
“Allentown is the third-biggest city in Pennsylvania. There are statistics that say one woman in three has been a victim of domestic violence. If we did the math, yes indeed, there is definitely a need for greater awareness and more action against violence against women in Lehigh Valley,” she said.
Hughes said she hopes the show demonstrates the real impact and ongoing problem of domestic violence.
“I want them to be informed and entertained and see they can make a difference in their everyday lives. I always tell our cast members that they have two roles: Treat everyone how you want to be treated and be the change you want to see in the world.”
“Memory” will be performed 7 p.m. March 15, 4 and 7 p.m. March 16 and 4 p.m. March 17, at the Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St. in Bethlehem. The Salemme Foundation, 542 Hamilton St. in Allentown, will host a staging of “Memory” 7 p.m. April 19 and “The Vagina Monologues” 4 and 7 p.m. April 20 and 4 p.m. April 21.
Tickets for the productions are $10, with VIP seating available for $25. For more information, contact Hughes at [email protected].