Tanya Petersen's favorite monologue is "The Flood."

It's funny, she said. Endearing.

And, like much of "The Vagina Monologues," it's unapologetically abrupt about its subject matter.

"I'm a big fan of stirring it up a little bit," Petersen, 38, said with a laugh. "Humor and saying something abruptly has a different impact than some of the passive education we do."

Petersen's admiration of playwright Eve Ensler, paired with hopes to educate others on violence against women, is what pushed the Coeur d'Alene woman to put on a production of the world famous play this weekend, she said.

Arranging for proceeds to benefit the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center, formerly the Women's Center, Petersen tracked down about 15 local women to perform "The Vagina Monologues" with her, she said.

"None of us are actresses," said Petersen, herself a software business analyst. "We've got teachers, Forest Service workers, yoga instructors, software developers, firemen. It's a whole conglomeration of women concerned about violence against other women."

Even with lack of stage training, Petersen said, the performers have polished their deliveries in the show, which consists of cast members reading a series of monologues.

The narratives, taken from real interviews Eve Ensler conducted with hundreds of women, span the subjects of sex, relationships and domestic abuse.

"They (the performers) absolutely put their hearts and souls into these monologues," Petersen said. "Working with these women, we've all become so close and established such a great rapport."

The fundraiser is much needed, said NIVPC spokeswoman Sandra Lopez.

"All around we've experienced grant cuts. I know there have been shelters in our area that have closed down, like in Sandpoint and Priest River," she said. "We cover all five northern counties. At this moment, we are one of the only shelters that takes in battered women and sexual assault victims."

The nonprofit also provides free counseling five days a week, as well as court advocacy and support for hospitalized individuals.

All victims of domestic violence are served, Lopez added.

"We're finding there are male victims, too," she said.

She thinks audiences have something to gain from watching "The Vagina Monologues," she said.

"I think it's a real eye opener to the reality of what's going on," she said.

Petersen is putting on the show in conjunction with V-Day, a global nonprofit that raises funds for anti-violence groups.

"I think it's a good cause," she said. "You've got to start somewhere."

Tickets for the show are $21, and include two free beverages. Productions are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Eagles Lodge, 209 E. Sherman Ave.

Doors open one hour prior to showtimes.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, at the NIVPC in Coeur d'Alene, or online at www.cdawomenscenter.org.

Art created by children at shelters will be on display, and baked goods will be for sale.

A raffle and auction, with items donated by roughly 30 local businesses, will follow the evening performances around 9 p.m.

Petersen hopes to perform other Ensler productions down the road, she said.

"I just hope people start talking about it (violence against women)," she said of her hopes for the show's impact. "The more you talk about it, the more awareness it brings."