The MENding Monologues Press Release
Saturday, May 14 at 7 PM
Sedona Creative Life Center
Sedona’s MENding Monologues stages a “theatrepeutic” experience for audiences.
Inspired by The Vagina Monologues, The MENding Monologues returns to the Sedona Creative Life Center on Saturday, May 14 at 7 PM for their only scheduled performance of the year. Tickets are $12 advance or $15 the night of the show, with partial proceeds to benefit Amanda Coughlin in her fight against liver cancer.
Written and performed by local residents Derek Dujardin, Bonnie Green and Dev Galloway, The MENding Monologues is a smart mix of heart-centered monologues, comic sketches and hard-hitting slam poetry that takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride through relationship issues and gender wounds to arrive at self love.
“Everyone was completely smitten by the performances,” said Tracy Hartnett, Coordinator for Domestic Violence Treatment in Alberta Canada. “People came back to see it a second night because they were so moved.”
The MENding Monologues began in Sedona five years ago and has since toured colleges throughout the United States and Canada to rave reviews. In October 2010, Derek Dujardin received the “40 Under 40″ award in New York City as part of the 40th Anniversary of the Feminist Press for creating the show. Moreover, the script of the MENding Monologues has inspired third-party productions throughout the United States, as far away as London, England and Pert, Australia. In April, the MENding Monologues was performed in American Sign Language by deaf college students in Vancouver, BC.
“The traveling version of show and script has evolved and will continue to evolve,” said Mr. Dujardin.
“We are very proud of the caliber of the work and how it touches the hearts and minds of our audiences. No one in Sedona has seen this production before,” said Bonnie Green, the MENding’s business manager and co-producer.
Phoenix slam poet Ed Mabrey will join the MENding Saturday night. Ed is the winner of 2008-2009 Grand Slam World Poetry Championship and founder of the Black Pearls of Poetry.
“Ed is amazing,” said Dev Galloway, performer. “He brings a whole new dimension to our show with a powerful voice, prose and presence.” Local actor Wally Reule will also guest perform.
“I love that we’re making a difference in the world and in people’s lives,” said Dujardin, “both emotionally and financially when we can.”
Partial proceeds from the show will benefit Amanda Couglin and her family. Amanda is 20 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage-four liver cancer.
“There are many forms of ‘mending’ and healing. And the Coughlin Family needs our support,” said Green. “We feel honored to help this brave young woman.”
Tickets can be purchased at Crystal Magic in Sedona (located at 2788 W 89A) or The Sedona Creative Life Center at 333 Schnebly Hill Road up until 4 PM the day of the show for $12, or for $15 at the door. This show is likely to sell out, so please purchase your tickets early.
XXX
The Cast
Derek Dujardin • As the founder of The MENding Monologues, Derek’s passion is to inspire healing through vulnerability, authenticity and humor to create “theaterpeutic” experiences for the audience and the cast. He has studied improv acting with Alan Arkin and sketch comedy with Second City. By day, he works as a freelance advertising copywriter and brand strategist. For his work with The MENding, Derek was honored by The Feminist Press in New York City, 2010. You can contact Derek at www.TheMENding.org or director@theMENding.org.
Bonnie Green • Bonnie studied both Theater and Broadcast Journalism at Indiana University. The MENding provided the perfect outlet for her passion and gifts as both an actress and writer. Bonnie has done Community Theater in Chicago, Indiana, Ohio and Sedona. Theater credits include Vera in Mame, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Kathy in Vanities, Eve in Applause, Barbara in Social Security, Faye in Chapter Two, The Dragon in Talking With, and the Vagina Monologues. She has studied film acting with Sagan Lewis and Improv for Actors with Alan Arkin. By day, she works as the National Account Manager for Gaia Herbs.
Dev Galloway • Dev began performing in Alaska after his tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force. Dev ventured “outside” to study acting in LA with Janet Alhanti, ACT in San Francisco, and The Neighborhood Playhouse (Meisner) in New York City. He lives in Sedona, AZ, where he teaches acting and works for Enchantment Resort.
Guest Poet Ed Mabrey • Ed was the Individual World Poetry Slam Champion from Feb 2007-Dec 2008 and is the only African American to win the title. He is the CEO of Black Pearl Poetry, one of the most successful poetry shows in the country. His book of poetry, Waiting For The Mail Train is available from Wordsmith Press. He lives in Phoenix, AZ and his CDs and book are available at www.BlackPearlPoetry.net, edmabrey@gmail.com or 614-623-0687.
