As the cast and crew prepared for this year's show, we made a visit to 1736 Family Crisis Center. We were greeted with a spectacular show and welcome from the children. This home is a remarkable, joyous place. Paintings cover the walls - paintings so beautifully reaching out for peace, and for joy, and for the chance to thrive. Reaching and fighting for the end to domestic violence.

The children were so busy playing and learning. The work of this formidable organization is nothing short of inspiring--and of the highest good. And, 1736 FCC is a catalyst, as well as a hallmark, of substantive change. Many battles are won there, daily, in the war of domestic violence, many lives are changed, and many smiles and victories occur - again - daily. So as we celebrate and dance tonight, and relish all that it is to be a woman, there are women and children living in fear and abuse - at this very moment. And also while we celebrate, at 1736 Family Crisis Center and other safe houses around the world, there are women and children escaping, rebuilding, thriving - at this very moment. The work they do is immense and it matters - the ripple effect of every action, every child hugged and encouraged, every woman with a new life without violence, is a beautiful example of compounding interest.

The statistics in this war against violence are staggering. Although it has been a common practice to quote a statistic - for example - one in four women are rape victims - those statistics can not blend into the background of our daily lives. The numbers creep and grow - and before we know it - we have an epidemic. So this war cannot be white noise. The violence is often clever - and hidden. As Eve stated in one of her introductions - home is a very scary place for many women and children. 1736 FCC provides a safe place to rebuild and to protect the love and joy.

For this year's final performance of the Vagina Monologues, we have added music! Music and dance are used in story-telling, and often can carry the message on in a way that words alone cannot do. The elements of war and pain - as well as celebration, humor, and remembrance - are reflected in music and dance. And often, music and dance are used as a way to stay strong, to fight back, and to carry on the message of hope. The Vagina Monologues is a true example of how art can save us. So for this show, we will dance over the war and sing the message loud enough for all to join in.

With joy,
Julie Marie Hassett
Director
The Vagina Monologues
2008



1736 Family Crisis Center is a private, nonprofit organization working to ensure the safety, survival, and success of domestic violence victims and their children, homeless and runaway youth, and others in need throughout Los Angeles County and beyond.

Throughout its 35-year history, 1736 FCC has expanded its services to include four shelters for domestic violence victims and their children, a shelter for runaway and homeless youth, three Community Service Centers located in Torrance, South Los Angeles and Long Beach, 24 hour hotlines, emergency response services, and more. 1736 Family Crisis Center services reach over 25,000 people each year.