The Vagina Monologues by V, formally Eve Ensler Theatre Review: Stories of womanhood told with humour, vulnerability and honesty | Hyderabad News

The Vagina Monologues by V, formally Eve Ensler(Feminist theatre/Satire/Drama)★★★½

Cast: Soujanya Varma, Ananya Barua, Netravati Rajanna, Sumitra Kamble, Snehaja Rana, Bhargavi, Rita Ghosh, Yenugu Jahnavi, DohaDeo SagarDirector’s name: Eugien Jos ChirammelDuration: 2 hoursLanguage: English, Telugu, HindiReview: There is little that The Vagina Monologues by V, formally Eve Ensler, shies away from. Over two hours, nine female artistes take on stories about womanhood, sexuality, vulnerability and the female body, moving between English, Hindi and Telugu. While rooted in the original work, the production by Canopy Theatre gives these stories an Indian and, more specifically, Telugu context, making some of its conversations feel closer to home.The play balances its heavier themes with humour, using familiar Indian and Telugu songs and jingles with reworked lyrics to add a playful touch. These moments often draw laughter from the audience before the production returns to the more serious experiences at its centre. It is this ability to shift between the two without undermining either that keeps the play engaging.The nine performers bring considerable vulnerability to the stage. Their performances make the stories feel lived rather than recited, with each artiste finding her own emotional rhythm. Ananya Barua deserves special mention for pulling off some intense dance sequences despite a leg injury.The production keeps its staging uncomplicated, using four boxes, white cloth and a few costume changes. The limited props do little to limit the performers, who use the space effectively through well-timed movement and transitions.Most importantly, the play does not attempt to make its conversations about women more comfortable than they are. It addresses sexuality, the female body and experiences that are often difficult to speak about in public, while allowing humour to exist alongside them.By the end, the play does more than tell women’s stories. It puts uncomfortable conversations out in the open, makes you laugh at some of them, sit with others and, ultimately, leaves you processing them long after the lights go down.Should you watch it?Yes. Watch it for its humour, honesty and sharply observed stories.