The past two years of performing for V-day and FWN's The Vagina Monologues and Usaping Puki (New York in 06 and San Francisco in 07) was a great and memorable experience! It was not just about being on stage and effectively delivering the monologues during showtime. The curtain call for me was the end of the TVM journey and the beginning of a "newer" me. Each show has always made me a different person. New friendships, new experiences and new reflections always makes every trip to the city for months worthwhile. It was the journey that started with the casting call, then the conosimientos, the domestic violence workshops (yes, one needs to understand what DV is and how to be an advocate for ending the violence at home and helping those who may need it), the acting coaching sessions, the group rehearsals, press conferences and then the show...and in between these important activities was the journal. I wrote my thoughts in the journal given to us at the very beginning. I wrote as many or as little as I wanted - but I wrote my thoughts, my poems and my personal struggles. It felt good to write and weather I have shared the words that resided in those pages or not, I know that I wrote it in the midst of strong, supportive and compassionate women who understands.

Last weekend, I went to the city to do the cover photo shoot for this year's V-Diaries magazine at the Carnelian Room on the 52nd floor of the Bank of America building. With my two kids in tow, I had no intention of hanging around for a long time. But I was curious to see the cast for this year's show and went downstairs to the auditorium to meet everybody. We ended up staying for the entire time! I have to admit, the cast (now including men) was beautiful - full of energy and exuding strength and conviction. The monologues - some old and some brand new all resonate a clear reality and sometimes a message. The afternoon ended with the conosimiento, a sharing of certain information about oneself. It was special to be a part of it, as always...

So goodluck to this year's cast...I know you will all do very well. Get the word out there, start selling those tickets...and stay strong and postive.

Your photog and former cast member,
Owen


Photos from last week can be viewed here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lexusgirl/sets/72157603838223297/

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