The Abbie Shelter will be presenting The Vagina Monologues at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on Feb. 21 and 22. Proceeds from the performance will support the shelter, which provides support for women who have been victimized by domestic abuse or sexual assault.
According to Executive Director Hilary Shaw, the shelter provides refuge for abused women, a 24-hour crisis line and support groups. The shelter was established in 1976.
“We’re the primary support service for domestic violence victims in the valley,” she said.
The Vagina Monologues was written in 1996 by Eve Ensler and first performed in Greenwich Village, N.Y. The play focuses on women and their sexuality and performances around the globe have raised millions of dollars for anti-violence groups. Shaw said the Abbie Shelter has been presenting the play for the last eight years and that it’s always one of its biggest fundraisers.
“It gives voice to women and survivors and gives them a place to tell their stories,” she said.
Shaw said the play has an important message, especially at a time when only one out of 10 rapes are ever reported. She also said that one in four women will be sexually assaulted.
Tickets to the show are available at all Montana Coffee Traders locations for $15, or $18 at the door. Students and seniors can get in for $10. The show, produced and performed by volunteers, starts at 7:30 p.m., but doors open an hour earlier for a social hour, featuring music, wine and chocolate.
For more information about the show or the Abbie Shelter call (406) 752-4735. The shelter’s 24-hour crisis line is (406) 752-7273.