Vaginas aren’t usually a big topic for discussion in Hong Kong, nor often mentioned in everyday conversation, so it must make American playwright Eve Ensler happy to know that when people say they are seeing her play The Vagina Monologues, it probably means they’re using the ‘v’ word more than they’ve ever done before.

That is exactly why the Perry Chiu Experimental Theatre decided to stage the play. In Asian societies, sex is still considered a taboo subject but more people, especially the younger generation, are opening up to talk about it: the play’s timing could be seen as a means to explore sexuality for the more sheltered among us and a public forum for others more willing to air their views. Monologues is different from a play like Closer (also performed by the same group), which delves into relationships, love and sex from both genders’ perspectives, in that it explicitly explores women’s sexuality and empowerment through their sexual identity. Ensler developed the play after conversations with women of many different ethnicities, ages and backgrounds – masturbation, intercourse and rape are all covered in Monologues and serve as real insights to how many women think and feel.

The Perry Chiu group wanted to stage the play more than five years ago, but could not initially acquire the rights. It’s been a long wait, but this will be the first time the play is professionally presented completely in Cantonese (with English subtitles), though it will follow the format of Ensler’s staging with simple sets, minimal to no costume changes and three female actors sharing the monologues.

The actors vary in age and relationship status. One is in her 20s, another in her 30s and the third in her 40s. One is single, one has a boyfriend and one is married with children – their perspectives on this play and on their place in society influenced the way they approached their roles but ultimately the play’s themes are universal, and allow the audience, men and women alike, to connect with the monologues on a very personal level.

However, it seems almost odd that a man should direct the play. Desmond Tang – who directed Monologues before in South Korea – says he is not the first man to do so – and it is important to have the input of a man. “As men we can provide a wider opinion on the issues – input from mothers, sisters, girlfriends can help inform me on their feelings too, so that I can try to understand their feelings,” says Tang.

He thinks the play may create a more open forum for discussion about women’s issues, rights and equality in Asian societies. “There is a range of opinions in HK from very modern to very conservative – I think people are open on the surface, but underneath they are still very conservative,” he says.
He found this was certainly the case when his assistant went out on the streets to film young women’s answers to questions posed by the play: ‘What do you call your vagina?’, ‘What does it smell like?’ and so on. Most young women, he said, were hesitant and embarrassed to be asked such questions, often responding with coy smiles and giggles. Only a handful were straightforward with their answers. He is planning to screen the footage in vignettes between monologues and on having a question and answer session with the audience afterwards. “I hope people will stay around to participate,” laughs Tang.

Another perhaps controversial element in the production is the group itself. Perry Chiu, the artistic director and a well-known local film and stage actor, has often come under fire for her provocative characterizations. Contributors to a local online forum for theatre have criticised her for being too sexy on stage and unskilled in her art. However, she also has very strong vocal support for her acting and critics have praised her work.

Perhaps her detractors have a point; Chiu is staging the play to be provocative. Yet for a woman who has lived a sheltered life, as many in conservative Asian societies have, to be able to reclaim her sense of self through her most basic being – her sexuality – is empowering and enlightening. In our city, where equality between the sexes has still a long way to go, this play might just be a challenging starting point for honest discussion.

The Vagina Monologues will be playing at the City Hall Concert Hall from January 31 to February 4 at 7:30pm and on February 3 and 4 at 3:00pm. Tickets range from $120-$250 and are available from URBTIX, 2734 9009. This performance is in Cantonese with English subtitles.