V-Day Studio City Presents “THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES” at The Federal Bar, March 28-29 ONLY

This provocative and powerful piece depicts true stories about women’s attempts to overcome society’s stigmas by embracing and celebrating their sexuality. The brilliant ensemble of gifted actors, each passionately devoted to V-Day’s mission to ‘stop the violence,’ will move you to laughter and tears.

A highlight of the night is the adult raffle and fake orgasm contest with generous prizes donated by sponsors, The Pleasure Chest, Jopen, and Body Vision Los Angeles. Chocolate Vagina Lollipops and T-shirts are for sale.

Tickets are $20 cash at the door; in advance at ticketweb.com; or by making reservations at maxie.solters@gmail.com.  All proceeds benefit V-Day and the local nonprofit organization, Peace Over Violence, dedicated to eliminating sexual, domestic, and all forms of interpersonal abuse.

Maxie is extremely eager to present The Vagina Monologues at The Federal Bar, acknowledging the wonderful and accommodating staff, eager to jump on board and support V-Day. 

“This year’s production is more of an event,” according to Solters. “We offer guests the chance to arrive early for dinner and drinks and join us for a VIP After Party...complete with ‘vagina-themed’ drinks!” Check out the delicious fare at thefederalbar.com.

Maxie divulges, “I absolutely love both monologues I’m privileged to perform. Everyone can relate to ‘My Angry Vagina.’ It's hilarious and always gets the audience excited and involved. I’m thrilled to be able to interact with the crowd when they’re riled up. I’m fortunate to talk about things that every woman thinks, but doesn't always say, e.g. tampons, thongs, orgasms, sitting in the stirrups, sex...nothing is held back.” 

For Solters, ‘I Was There In The Room,’ is similarly rewarding. She reveals, “I adore this piece because it's very personal for author, Eve Ensler. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Eve and I am honored to share her story about watching the birth of her granddaughter. The monologue expresses how incredibly amazing the vagina is, in the sense that this part of our body actually creates a human being. We often forget that the vagina is quite literally the key to generating life and that each of us has the vagina to thank for being alive today.”

Solters identifies her commitment to The Vagina Monologues as “a gift.”  She believes that by bringing these factual stories to the stage, speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves, a momentum to transform is established. “If we can touch just one person, then the efforts we put into the presentation is worth it.” 

Maxie’s desire is that people depart, feeling more open and liberated, willing to discuss what may previously have been branded as “taboo.” Specifically, she hopes that survivors will summon the courage to express their truth. 

Solters finds it disappointing that society continues to hold a deaf ear to those who say they’ve been assaulted. She points out that this year’s beneficiary, Peace Over Violence, will be tabling on both nights, offering guidance to those so inclined.

Maxie’s dream is that one day women won’t be looked down upon. She admits, “It's gotten better, but many still think we’re the lesser species and should be subordinate. If anyone is dominant, it's women. We create life. We are the backbone of society. People need to learn to treat all women with respect, but first we have to learn to regard ourselves that way. We have to demand to be acknowledged for the awesome creatures we are.”

Director and costar Allie Altschuler marvels at how The Vagina Monologues gives rise to “this concise community, a tight circle of understanding among women as strong allies and supporters of one another.” 

She considers it mind blowing that “through performing we’re able to actually help the people we’re speaking to and about,” and deems it “living proof that art can make a positive dent in the world’s order.”

Altschuler hopes the audience leaves not only “filled with pride and joy about womanhood, but also with a sense of reality about the condition of women today, conscious of the fact that we need to keep chipping at the work,” even though we might not see results in our lifetime.

Allie’s  aspiration is that people will finally acknowledge the obvious truths that ”not only are women equal to men in terms of the rights we deserve, but women are now and have always been the bolsters of every human civilization.”

Motivated by author/activist Eve Ensler after watching her HBO special, Allie vowed to become part of the cause. She gives kudos to Solters, for being her “little beacon of ‘Vag’ light…a constant reminder that this is a part of who we are, and we have a responsibility to forge on.”

Altschuler relates to the description of her character’s initial on-purpose orgasm in her monologue, ‘Hair.’  It’s expressed as “the layers [of her vagina] dividing and subdividing," and she recalls having that exact sensation as a girl.

Ecstatic to appear at The Federal Bar, Altschuler labels it “a beautiful venue where everyone has been so gracious that I genuinely want to make them proud out of sheer gratitude for their backing and encouragement.”

Heldine Aguiluz is eager to act in The Vagina Monologues and welcomes the “opportunity to use my talents as a means of making a difference in the world.” She knows numerous people who have had the horrendous incidence of being sexually abused, yet nevertheless encountered constructive outcomes. While rehearsing for her particular scene, she imagined and empathized with them.

Aguiluz was motivated to join Maxie and the V-Day Studio City team by her aim “to employ my abilities for the better and after seeing the positive impact of the V-Day movement.” 

Heldine’s vision is that women be revered not only for their bodies, but for their knowledge and wisdom. She suggests that the audience “take the time and appreciate the women in their lives.”