The Robson Valley Support Society (RVSS) is putting on a production to contribute to global efforts to raise awareness to stop violence against women and girls. 

V-Day Valemount: A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer 2011 is opening in March, and the call is going out for local actors and actresses in the Valemount and McBride area. 

RVSS is looking to fill male and female parts, and volunteer positions to help put the performance on. 

“We are also seeking volunteers for all other aspects related to hosting this event, so even if standing on a stage is a terrifying prospect, but the lure of getting involved is not, there are roles for everyone,” said Shelly Battensby, services co-ordinator for RVSS. 

V-Day is a global initiative to stop violence against women and girls, through creative events that increase awareness, raise funds and revitalize existing anti-violence groups. 

Last year there were 5,400 V-Day events around the world. So far $75 million has been raised for the cause, and 300 million people have been reached. 

Battensby says RVSS has been providing services to women in abusive situations for almost 20 years, and V-Day is a great way to raise awareness in the Valemount and McBride area. 

“Community awareness is a key component of that, because it takes raising the issue to begin creating solutions,” she said. “The opportunity to host a benefit event such as this gives us the opportunity to change up how we approach that.”

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer is a collection of monologues written by world-famous authors and playwrights. The production will examine violence from all sides – whether it be brutality or a simple put down – to see how violent or hurtful actions can affect a person. 

The monologues will tell many different stories including self-mutilation, a Sudanese abduction, a daughter witnessing her mother being abused, raising a child as a single mother and more. The production also includes pieces written by men, for men.

Battensby said men are important in the fight to stop violence against women. 

“Men are an integral part of the solution to ending violence against women. They are the sons, husbands, brothers, friends of women. They are important in a woman’s world,” Battensby said. “This particular performance may focus on the many wrong-doings done to women at a global level, but it also looks at the hope and victory that comes when men become a part of the mix.”

RVSS has a number of programs that aid local women when they experience violence at home, or in any other ways. They began in 1992 with the Safe Home Program and added Stopping The Violence (STV) counselling. Recently they have added Police-Based Victims Services, STV Outreach Services and Children Who Witness Abuse counselling. 

“An important part of what we do within these programs is creating awareness so change can occur,” Battensby said. “As V-Day events are designated to be fundraisers, the money raised from the benefit performances will go towards furthering those efforts.”

Volunteers are needed for event support. Jobs include ushers, ticketing, lobby displays set up and take down, and more performance-based roles such as make-up, set design, costumes and more. RVSS is also looking for a director for the performance. 

“We want to include everyone who is interested in whatever way we can,” Battensby said. 

Volunteers can fill out an application at the Gathering Tree, Valemount Public Library and McBride Trading Company. 

Proceeds from the performance will be divided up with 10 per cent going to VDay.org’s chosen cause, the women of Haiti, and the rest will go to RVSS’s anti-violence programs that will support the end of violence against women in the Robson Valley. 

Battensby said the production is a valley-wide event that will be performed in both Valemount and McBride, and they are hoping to have acting talent from both communities involved. Auditions are being held at RVSS’s office on Feb. 23, and scripts are available for pick up now. 

“We want to stress that this is open to everyone in the valley, regardless of where you live,” Battensby said. 

The performances are set for April 8 at the VSS Theatre and April 15 at the McBride Roundhouse Theatre. 

V-Day Valemount: A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer 2011 is seeking sponsorship as well. Anyone interested in helping out in any way can contact Battensby at 1-250-566-9107 or at rvssvalemount@telus.net