Review: The Vagina Monologues, Crucible Theatre Sheffield

The Vagina Monologues was originally written for the spoken word, with actors telling stories taken from interviews with 100 women. Deafinitely Theatre has reworked the piece for a cast of ten deaf and hearing women and non-binary people, using British Sign Language and subtitles to make it a more inclusive experience.

With no spoken words in the production, anyone who doesn’t understand BSL needs to read the surtitles which are on a video screen of the action positioned above the actors. The downside of this is that reading them gets in the way of watching the actors’ performances. I found myself reading as quickly as possible so I could give my attention back to the stage, but I feel I missed nuance that someone who understands BSL would not. This is, of course, what deaf audience members have to put up with every time an audible production is signed, and there may be a deliberate election here to illustrate that.

The ten actors interact well with each other and their movements seem almost choreographed. This is a true ensemble piece and the consideration and support they show each other is delightful to observe as they weave on and off the stage. Their BSL is beautiful to watch, even for those who don’t understand it.

Some of the monologues are amusing, some are moving, some are disturbing, some are enlightening. All are performed with passion, energy and power. The story of one woman being serially raped during the Yugolsav Wars is shocking and potent. In many ways this monologue is actually more poignant because it is told silently. In another monologue, excellent physical acting demonstrates childhood memories of abuse and salvation in a lesbian relationship. The lighter pieces are also well performed. There is plenty of humour as the actors list the interviewees’ different terms for vaginas in different locations; suggestions of what a vagina might wear or what two words a vagina might say. A standup routine where the vagina is angry about having to deal with tampons, thongs and speculums provokes recognition and laughter from the audience of mainly women.

The final monologue, I Was There in the Room, is about the birth of writer Eve Ensler‘s grandchild, which she witnessed, and brings the narrative back to the vagina’s ultimate purpose with graphic and awe-inspiring description. It is a moving conclusion to the production, which leaves the audience with much to ponder.

Produced by Deafinitely Theatre
Written by V (formerly Eve Ensler)
Directed by Paula Garfield
Lighting designed by Holly Ellis
Sound designed by Marie Zschommler
Projection design by Ben Glover
BSL video production by Deaf Action

The Vagina Monologues played at Crucible Theatre as part of a short tour