New York Theatre News: Spanish-Language 'Vagina Monologues' Coming to West-Side Theatre

Eve Ensler's innovative play "The Vagina Monologues" is returning to its original off-Broadway home with an all-new all-Spanish version. "The Vagina Monologues" will begin on May 6th at the Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street), with its official opening night to be announced soon. Mexican director Jaime Matarredona will be at the head of the production, with Morris Gilbert and Federico Gonzalez Compean as producers. This will be the first time the Spanish-language version will be presented in an off-Broadway theatre.

Morris Gilbert and Federico González Compeán are the Mexican producers behind "The Vagina Monologues" in Mexico City, and are two of the most prominent and mot prolific theatre producers of Spanish-language theatre in the world. The production in Mexico City is currently in its fourteenth year. In a joint statement, the producers expressed "great pride at presenting this show in Spanish at the Westside Theatre, one of the most prestigious off-Broadway theatres."

The production will follow the model of the Mexico City version. "The Vagina Monologues" will have a rotating cast and a portion of every ticket will be donated to V-Day, the activist movement founded by Eve Ensler whose vision is to eradicate violence against women. The cast, which is expected to feature several well-known Latinas, will be announced soon. Latin Times will be interviewing the production's director, Jaime Matarredona so stay tuned for more on this exciting show!

The original Obie-award-winning production ran from 1999 to 2003. It has since been perfomred around the world by actresses including: Brooke Shields, Cate Blanchett, Claire Danes, Cynthia Nixon, Glenn Close, Goldie Hawn, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Hudson, Kate Winslet, Kerry Washington, Lily Tomlin, Lucy Lawless, Marisa Tomei, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Rosario Dawson, Rosie Perez, Salma Hayek, Susan Sarandon, Susie Essman, Thandie Newton, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg and Winona Ryder.