_gaia's mission remains as a collective of women, for women, for the making of textiles, clothing, printmaking, painting, architecture, music, film, photography, science, the performing arts, writing, environmental, social and political activism: all things which color the lives of the women involved.
_gaia is active in the visual arts space. We run and sponsor shows, events, and residencies for our sisters to come and work on their art. We are always brewing up something new and looking for new ideas. Contact us if you are interested in participating or have an idea you would like to explore with _gaia.
_gaia is active in the performance space. We run and sponsor shows, events, and residencies for our sisters to come and work on their acting and voice. We are always brewing up something new and looking for new ideas. Contact us if you are interested in participating or have an idea you would like to explore with _gaia.
Activism was the fire that gave birth to _gaia. We continue in that tradition by supporting and promoting socially conscious movement and agendas that are important to our members. We are active in demonstrations and events that help bring issues of importance to light. _gaia's main issues include but are not limited too: stop violence against women, human rights, reproductive rights and promotion.
_gaia loves to meet new people and make new friends. We have many opportunities for you to join _gaia in our mission to provide a space for women in the arts. Come play with us through our internships and volunteer programs. You will learn, work and have fun while opening up a whole new world. If you don't have the time but got the dough, please consider a donation to _gaia. We appreciate you and love you!
_gaia loves you and we are fortunate to have those who love and support us. There are those who support us with their time and expertise to make so many of our programs happen and continue on in the future. The partners who are generous with their space and businesses to help us make so many events happen. Of course, like anyone else we love our fans who come to our events and workshops.
V-Day 2008 Cast
V-Day 2008 About V-Day
V-DAY CAST AND CREW
Nora Armani (I Was There In the Room) is an internationally acclaimed actress and director whose work spans many languages on four continents. Recent credits include: her one woman play On the Couch with Nora Armani, Harold Pinter’s The Lover, and films ‘Santa Claus in Baghdad’, ‘The Doors of Denis’, BBC’s ‘Casualty’ TV. Nora is also a published poet and she is thrilled to be part of V-Day. www.noraarmani.com
Iloire Blanos (The “Wear and Say” Lists; Introduction – Understudy; The Vagina Workshop – Understudy; Reclaiming Cunt – Understudy; I Was There In the Room – Understudy) is thrilled to be involved in this production of the Vagina Monologues. Thank you to _gaia and Lillian for giving her this opportunity. V-love to all women everywhere.
Susan Bucci (The “Wear and Say” Lists; The Flood -Understudy; My Angry Vagina - Understudy; The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy - Understudy) Susan has performed in two previous productions of the Vagina Monolgues. She has also performed in numberous Off Off Broadway and community theater productions. Sharp eyed movie and TV watchers may have spotted her in Law & Order, The Sopranos, and 30 Rock. She is pleased to be working on another V/Day show.
Adil Mahmud Chohan (Production Assistant) Began his creative life in the music industry in 1994 playing and creating music. Over the years, he has taken on new challenges, after meeting an intriguing director, Lillian “Lips” Ribeiro, the theater world became his new creative interest in addition to music. This is the second year he is working on the The Vagina Monologues.
Sandy Cockrell (The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy) is the Artistic Director of J CITY Theater, last seen in J CITY’s As Bees in Honey Drown, Compression of a Casualty & J.B. Her off-Broadway credits include Julius Caesar, The Seagull and Living Proof. Regionally, she has performed with Actors Theatre of Louisville and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She holds a MFA in acting from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and is a proud member of Actors Equity.
Julie Ann Colon (My Vagina Was My Village; The “Wear and Say” Lists) is honored to be a part of V-day’s 2008 production of “The Vagina Monologues”. She received her Bachelors in English/Theatre in New Jersey City University and has performed in “Dangerous Liaisons”, ”The Suicide”, “When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet”, “Hansel And Gretel” and “Helvetica” . Julie works as a puppeteer for “Kids on the Block” and enjoys educating young children about social concerns. She has also hosted television programs such as, “Radio Active Cinema”, “Dare To Watch It” and “Paradise Video”. Julie is thankful for this opportunity to work with _gaia and this production and for everyone involved. This performance is dedicated to all who have been or know someone affected by violence.
Katherine Damigos (The Vagina Workshop) graduated from Queens College, where she performed in Our Town by Thorton Wilde, The Trial by Franz Kafka, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Borgeson. Katherine also studied under Edward Morehouse at HB Studios and Christine Goodman at Art House Productions. In 2007, she played the part of Rosita in Art House’s production of Camino Real by Tennessee Williams and also the part of Rie in Watermelon by Ed Schroeder at the Hudson County One Act Festival.
Maisha A L Dang (Welcome to the Wetlands; The “Wear and Say” Lists) Maisha A L Dang is a native to Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in the heart of Harlem. She graduated from CSU with a BA in Business Administration. She has studied drama at Karamu House, HB Studios and in the field through various acting roles. She enjoys walking, live bands, cooking, quality time with friends and all art forms. She was recently featured in NYIIFVF in the film Scroll The Book of Life; played Rose in Black Panther Women. Also, been featured in “Brooklyn Pride” Cablevision Commercial and Sophisticate Black Hair Magazine. She is currently working on a film Drunken Discipline of Gods. She is honored and thrilled to be apart of this wonderful project! www.maishadang.com
Geri Fallo (The Flood) has been running the Cultural Affairs office for the City of Hoboken for the last 14 years, organizing events such as The Hoboken Arts & Music Festival, Kiddiepalooza, weekly summer concert and outdoor movie series. She started Projected Images of Hudson County in 1986 a weekly alternative film series at Maxwell’s and The Shannon Lounge. She also played a chef in a high school production of Woody Allen’s Don’t Drink the Water and I starred in and co-produced a film called “Paterson, A film from New Jersey”. She has been attending productions of the Vagina Monologues every year since it started 10 years ago. It has always been very meaningful to her. She was honored to have received a call from Lillian asking her if she would take part in it this year.
Amie Figueiredo (Organizer) Activist :: co-founder/director of _gaia Action. Amie had been searching for a way to make really cool things with really cool people in a really cool place — and she has found it. _gaia has become her venue for doing things that she has always wanted to do but never had the time nor the place to. It is a network of wonderful women that do extraordinary things. Coming from a strong science background, her place in _gaia is somewhat strange to some but it fits right in. She likes to keep the members of _gaia involved in many different aspects of activism (political, environmental, and social). It has become her platform for promoting awareness, acceptance and education. She is in awe and amazement of the powerful and courageous women she has had the pleasure to work with throughout the many V-Day events.
Nancy Amirati Ghani (Introduction; The “Wear and Say” Lists; Under the Burqa – Understudy; Because He Liked to Look At It - Understudy) is a co-founding member of _gaia, Nancy has helped organize, manage and stress over many _gaia projects and events. This is her debut to the stage and she is part freaked out and part thrilled by the lure of fame it is sure to bring. Seriously…she many only have a few lines, but Nancy is very happy to be working on V-Day for a 5th year so that a few more minds will become aware of the violence against women and girls.
Christine Goodman (Because He Liked to Look At It) is an actor, writer, producer, teacher, and visual artist. Since 2001, Goodman has served as Executive Artistic Director of Jersey City-based multi-arts organization, Art House Productions www.arthouseproductions.org, recently honored with a Proclamation and Key to the City by Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy. A New York Innovative Theater Award nominee (Best Actress in a Featured Role), Goodman has performed in a wide range of theatre, film and television across the US and abroad. www.christine-goodman.com
Liza Hataf (Stage Manager) is happy to be a part of the Vagina Monologues for the second time. Liza’s stage managing credits include performances with _gaia, Cuchipinoy Productions, Boomerang Theater Company, Oberon Theatre Ensemble, and Theater Ten Ten.
Ayesha Hakki (Under the Burqa)is the Publisher and Principal of Bibi Magazine and Bibi PR. Ayesha has established Bibi magazine and Bibimagazine.com as the largest, most notable South Asian-American fashion and bridal publication and website in the US marketplace. Ayesha has been awarded inclusion in the 2003-2007 editions of the Who’s Who Historical Society’s book of International Entrepreneurs. The Houston Chronicle named Ayesha as “The Wedding Guru” in their Ultimate Houston Guide, September 2004, and in 2005 Ayesha was invited to celebrate Diwali at the White House. Most recently, the South Asian Chamber of Commerce awarded Ayesha as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Viewed as an expert in her field, Ayesha speaks regularly on panels for South Asian women’s issues, media seminars and South Asian lifestyle and fashion trends. She has spoken at Multi-Cultural Marketing’s National Tableware Conference on South Asian Wedding Trends, SAJA, TIE, amongst others. She is a member of various charity and networking organizations that promote South Asian culture and business. She has also been in a number of community theater plays, including having the lead in the “British pantomime” version of Pinocchio, supporting roles in Aladdin and “The Wall” and “Be My Valentine”. She has emceed many events including for the Asian American press club in Houston, the Jagjit Singh concert in Philadelphia and all of Bibi fashion shows and events.
Jenna Ingham (Stage Manager) has been involved with _gaia’s V-Day production since 2005 and is thrilled to be involved in another year of vagina fun. In the words of talented director Lillian ‘Lips’ Ribeiro, “Once you go Vagina Warrior you never go back!” Jenna supports all aspects of creative expression, and prefers to work her magic from behind the stage curtain. She lives in New Jersey and has two hamsters.
Alicia Kurzer (The “Wear and Say” Lists; Introduction – Understudy; Hair – Understudy; The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could – Understudy; Welcome to the Wetlands - Understudy) hales from Southern California. She has previously performed for Art House Productions as Olympe in Camino Real and as Lady in Black in The Heist Project. She has received training from the Old Globe Theatres in San Diego and HB Studio in New York.
Kate Mitchell (Introduction; Costume Designer; Wear and Say - Understudy) is thrilled to be part of the Vagina Monologues once again. After 2 years safely and semi anonymously ensuring that no one in the cast go onstage naked, this year she’ll be appearing before your eyes. Also watch for her to host the Vagina Excerpts, Open Mic, and Raffle-a-rama at the Nuyorican Cafe on Sunday April 6th!
Renata Moreira (Vagina Happy Fact; Not-So-Happy Fact; Outrageous Fact; A six-year-old girl was asked…) Renata Moreira is a Women’s and Gender Studies Affiliate and Assistant Director at New Jersey City University. She has served as co-chair for Hudson Diversity Action Council and led numerous cultural and political initiatives such as “Rock the Vote,” “Runway Peace Project, “Voices of Diversity Gala,” “Vagina Monologues - NJCU Production” and “Homegirls Make Some Noise.” She is the founder and coordinator of the “Women Speak Out” Project - an annual forum that incorporates lectures, performances, and visual arts components. Renata has also developed programs with a wide-variety of human rights organizations, including the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Garden State Equality, NY Young Women Taskforce, and the Pride Center of New Jersey. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and is a M.A/Ph.D candidate in Cultural & Gender Studies. Her writings have been published in Women on Campus, GO magazine, Courier News, Brazzil, Downtown JC Magazine, and academic papers. http://www.linkedin.com/in/renatabrazil
Andrea Prendamano (Reclaiming Cunt) is thrilled to be a part of V Day 2008. She most recently appeared off-Broadway at the Triad Theater in LAST JEW IN EUROPE. Love and thanks to Lou. Many thanks to all the women in her life who have given her inspiration and support–especially her mother Laura who gave her life and actually took the time to teach her how to live it! For my Mattie.
Lillian Lips Ribeiro (Director; Introduction) is “a woman who believes in vaginas, who really sees vaginas, who helps other women see their own vaginas by seeing other women’s vaginas.” Quote from Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Workshop”. This year is her fifth year directing The Vagina Monologues with _gaia in Hudson County. Ms. Lips is a multi-talented activist, actress, director, producer and acting coach with her degree in Theatre Arts and Business from Rutgers University. She would like to thank the volunteers for their dedication, the sponsors of this production, especially the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre, the beautiful women of V-Day Jersey City 2008, _gaia-shout out to Amie for making this happen!! She also thanks her wonderful boyfriend Adil, her mother for teaching her to be strong, her family and friends for their support, and the audience for being agents of change in ending violence against women and girls.
Janine Russo (The “Wear and Say” Lists; Introduction – Understudy; Vagina Happy Fact – Understudy; Not-So-Happy Fact – Understudy; My Vagina Was My Village – Understudy; Outrageous Fact – Understudy; A six-year-old girl was asked… – Understudy) Janine Russo is from Morris County, New Jersey where she did some perfoming on stage in her youth. In College, she performed with a female accapella group with a vagtastic sounding name “The Sounds Of Pleasure” and most recently a did a voice-over for a brief segment in a short-lived animated series called “Creature Comforts”. Janine is delighted to be reunited with the stage via “The Vagina Monologues.” When Janine is not running a muck and screaming about Vaginas, Janine is out in the community working as a Case Manager. Janine currently resides in Hoboken, NJ.
Diana Schwaeble (My Angry Vagina) is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Vagina Monologues as she takes the stage for the first time with the gaia group. As an editor for the Hudson Reporter Newsgroup, she reports on the arts scene in Hudson County. Having covered many of the performers who are a part of the show, she’s honored to be in such good company.
Dujuana Sharese (The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could) the artist exception has pushed creative boundaries through performance art. As an explosive spoken word artist, she has founded Sea which produces artistic and cultural events such as: The Cipher Movement (live art and poetry slam venue), Sound Lounge (interactive music venue), and Got Game (live dating game show). In her spare time she Host events such as the African American Festival, and Gay Pride of Festival Jersey City. For more information visit www.cyphermovement.com
Barbara Drum Sullivan (Main Interviewer AKA pedestrian) (AEA/SAG/AFTRA) was last seen onstage as Miss Mockridge in J.B. Priestly’s Dangerous Corner at Center Stage in NYC. Other favorite stage roles include Mom in True West, Mrs. Toothe in Everything in the Garden, and Gertrude in Hamlet. She has appeared in numerous films, and on TV in Law & Order.
Faith Wu (Hair) is honored to perform Vagina Monologues in V-Day Jersey City 2008 and help end violence towards women and girls. See her next as the lead in a new musical Margot Frank: The Diary Of The Other Young Girl at Shea Performing Arts Center, William Patterson University from April 9-14. Recent New York theater credits include Mosheh (HERE Arts Center), 1918: A House Divided (Theater for the New City), The Body Washer (The American Globe Theater). Selected film credits: Seesaw, Perfekt, Just Desserts. Faith is a graduate of the William Esper Studio conservatory. For my beacons, Mom and Margie. Love and thanks to Lillian & Gaia, the cast, my family and friends. www.FaithWu.com