Kathy Welby-Moretti, program director at Family Domestic Violence Services, said of The Vagina Monologues, "The play brings to light ongoing and current issues of violence against women from around the world. Everything from domestic violence to female genital mutilation is brought into the open - as it should be and very rarely is." A series of performances of The Vagina Monologues at the Colony Café in Woodstock from April 17 through April 19 will benefit Family and its various programs.

"The play, due to its direct monologue approach, make the issues easier for people to look at and hear. The most powerful thing that can happen to stop violence against women and girls is for society to look at the issues. By staring these atrocities in the face, we gather the courage to stop them and make change in the world for all women," said Welby-Moretti. In addition to the play, attendees can see Family's Clothes Line Project, tee-shirts for sale designed by women in Family's shelters. Handcrafted jewelry and special Vagina Monologues-related items will also be for sale.

Ten percent of proceeds will be donated to V-Day, an organization created by the author of The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler. V-Day is a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls internationally. To date, more than $60 million has been raised by V-Day; this year, its focus will be on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"The thing about what Eve Ensler has done, which I think is very smart, is she takes the original script and adds a new spotlight each year," producer/performer Terri Mateer said. "This year the spotlight is on the Democratic Republic of Congo, so there is an introduction and a monologue based on that country for the 2009 event...However, even without this, it is always going to be fresh. And I think it is because we, as humans, are heart-based. The Vagina Monologues are based on interviews from the hearts of women written by the heart of another woman. This compassion will always be refreshing and welcome in any world."

Others in the cast include Marcia Albert, Abbe Aronson, Janet Asiain, Susan Bissonnette, Julia Boylan, Elena Erber, Claudia Gross, Neshama Lipari, Susan Rosen, Nancy Saklad, Charlotte T. Scherer, Jill Ann Schwartz, Genie Tartell and Beth Terril. The production will be directed by Carol Fox Prescott.

"The most important fact regarding domestic abuse is that there is domestic abuse," Welby-Moretti added. "People often do not acknowledge that the problem exists in their hometown. Ulster County residents are abused, and some have been murdered recently. Another important fact is that, although services are available in our community, due to the isolating effects of domestic violence, many victims are still unaware of our services."

The Vagina Monologues will be performed on April 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Colony Café at 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can be purchased through Family at (845) 331-7080, online at vdaywoodstock.com and also at Burt's Electronics in Kingston, (845) 331-5011; Marbletown Hardware in Stone Ridge, (845) 687-2098; and the Golden Notebook in Woodstock, (845) 679-8000.