For the eighth year, The Abbie Shelter/Violence Free Crisis Line presents “The Vagina Monologues” with highlights including a photo exhibit and unveiling of its new specialty license plate.

Directed by Leah Lindsay, the two-night performance features community members as the cast Feb. 21 and 22 at the O’Shaughnessey Center in Whitefish. Hilary Shaw, executive director, said the popular event includes a pre-show reception.

“We’re opening the doors at six o’clock for a reception with [no-host] wine and beer and cupcakes and chocolates,” she said. “We’re calling it foreplay.”

Guests may also enjoy the photo exhibit of survivors of domestic violence and inspect the new license plate before the curtain time of 7:30 p.m. Shaw said guests will have an opportunity to purchase gas cards and taxi coupon books for Abbie clients who need transportation assistance.

Tickets cost $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Students and seniors receive a discounted price of $10.

According to Shaw, the nonprofit organization found “The Vagina Monologues” a perfect fit as a fund raiser.

“It’s the one thing we do in the community that really clicked year after year,” she said. “The reason why we love it as a fundraiser is because it spreads awareness and education as well as raising funds.” 

Shaw said the playwright Eve Ensler, a victim of abuse, wanted to devise a theatrical piece that gave women an opportunity to give voice to their sexuality and their bodies. She said Ensler realized there was no safe place or comedic space for women to address their bodies the way men do.

“Eve Ensler really wanted to create a movement for women to talk about their bodies, their abuse and their empowerment and strength in a way that  was accessible to wide audiences,” Shaw said.

A woman is beaten or assaulted every nine seconds in the United States, according to 2011 statistics. According to Shaw, Abbie Shelter serves an average of 40 to 50 women annually, along with 40 to 50 children, while the crisis line fields about 1,250 calls each year.

To continue the services, the organization depends on private donations from the community to keep afloat. Shaw said economic conditions have changed significantly in recent years.

“‘The Vagina Monologues’ is a really significant piece of our overall financial picture,” she said. “I would say as long as people come to see ‘Vagina Monologues,’ we’ll be in great shape.”

She added that the production helps the organization interest people in taking volunteer training scheduled in March. For more information, call 752-4735.