Michiana Monologues successfully presented their annual 2013 stage play and fundraiser for organizations that help women and children in crisis. This year’s theme, Write on Sisters was performed at Indiana University South Bend’s (IUSB) Recital Hall.
Ten women began opening night’s performance by marching through the audience with rhythmic claps readying the audience for a night of intimate stories anonymously written by women in their community. Funny, empowering, and sobering monologues were told by talented actors relaying an overall message that dating, marriage, and parenthood can be challenging and it is also important to “be good to yourself” while accepting who you are as you discover your own identity even if others choose not to. Yet, the same can be said for every Michiana Monologues’ message. Even if the general message is the same, the shows are not.
Because the show's script is written by women in the Michiana community, the experiences are different. Therefore, the interpretation from each actor differs delivering a dynamic performance capturing the heart the author and almost every listener. Michiana Monologues gives a voice to women empowering them to be strong and speak their truth assuring them that their story is one that is either: relatable, inspiring, eye-opening, educational, and even if it is jaw-dropping, they are not alone and their story is welcomed, respected, stage-worthy and publishable!
In addition to the annual stage performance, Michiana Monologues publishes a book with most of the year’s submissions. The Michiana Monologues’ book is used for the IUSB Women’s Studies courses. Stories that did not make it to the stage performance may be published in that year’s book. Story submissions that did not make the stage performance or book are considered for the following year’s production. Everyone is encouraged to submit as many stories as they wish anytime throughout the year.
Another way Michiana Monologues raises money is through their silent auction. Guests are encouraged to arrive an hour early before show-time to bid on items and services donated by local artists and businesses.
Proceeds for the book sale and silent auction go towards this year’s beneficiaries.
The 2013 beneficiaries are S.O.S. of the Family Justice Center, YWCA of North Central Indiana, Elkhart County Women’s Shelter, GLBT Resource Center of Michiana, The Young Moms’ Self-Sufficiency Program of the Youth Services Bureau, Planned Parenthood of Indiana, Maple City Health Care Center, and Indiana Legal Services, Inc.
Michiana Monologues invites women from all different walks of life to participate in the production. Whether it is acting, writing, directing, marketing, managing social media pages, teaching writing workshops, or organizing the silent auction, Michiana Monologues welcomes students, teachers, professionals, and community members to donate their time and services to work toward amplifying the voices of women who might otherwise never be heard.
Men are also welcome to participate with the Michiana Monologues’ movement. The Manologues, offers men in the Michiana community to anonymously tell their stories in a reader’s theater format.
Michiana Monologues will also be performing at Goshen College’s Music Center February 21 at 7 p.m.
To find out more about Michiana Monologues, visit their website here or email April Lidinsky.
To find out more about The Manologues, visit their website or email them here.
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