Life is filled with relationship firsts: First day at school, graduation; first dates, the first kiss, first child. And, although it cannot be predicted, for many, too many of us, there is also the first derogatory comment, the first slap, punch ... the beginning of violence and control by someone who claims to love us.

Eve Ensler wrote the first draft of "The Vagina Monologues" in 1996 based on her interviews with 200 women about sex, their bodies, relationships; their experiences  — the good, bad, and tragic  — and how they came to terms (as best they could) with those experiences. In addition to "The Vagina Monologues," Ensler wrote other books recording women's experiences: "A Memory, A Rant, and A Prayer" and "The Good Body."

East Boothbay resident Susan Hodder has been the executive director at The Waldo Theatre since 2022. Since then, she has brought many live productions and screened films, which included workshops and talks related to women and their empowerment. These include "Exploring the Sisterhood," Zora Margolis' original show, the play "Deployed" about women in the military; and "The Belle of Amherst"  — Emily Dickinson; and the play "Homer Bound" written by Karmo Sanders.

It seemed it was only a matter of time before Hodder would bring "The Vagina Monologues" to the Waldoboro venue's stage after 11 years. Hodder recently learned this will be the first time since the Girl Power production directed by Ellie Busby in spring of 2014 that the Monologues will return to the Waldo stage.

But why now, I asked.  "That's a loaded question," she began. "The changing political climate of late has sparked an increase in attention to issues surrrounding human rights, gender identity, and violence against women, all of which are addressed in this play. Ensler's updates to the 20th anniversary version of the script were actually written during the first Trump administration.

"It turns out that there are several versions of the script with updates since its original release," Hodder said. "We're performing the most recent version. I appreciate it on many levels, most especially the way it combines humor, pathos, and tragedy, deftly transitioning from one to another as the play unfolds."

Actors came to audition from as far away as Waterville and Brunswick, where, as it turns out, two of the women cast are from. Selecting which monologues to include in this performance were not all Hodder's choice.

"A couple of the actors who will be in the show had monologues they were anxious to perform," she noted. "There are six women who will portray multiple women of different ages, races and nationalities. One of the things that's been incredibly fulfilling for me creatively is that this script, unlike most plays, is very spare: no staging, sound, light cues, or set specifications are provided. I've been able to bring so much to the production that it feels like I'm in collaboration with the writer. And I enjoy collaborating with the cast and crew as well  — everyone has a voice, and we are better together."

Immediately following the Sunday, March 16 matinee performance, there will be a panel discussion with Destie Hohman Sprague, executive director of the Maine Women's Lobby and co-executive director of Hardy Girls; Jennifer Wiessner, AASECT-certified sex therapist; and Bre Danvers-Kidman, executive director of Maine TransNet.

"Folks can connect with them and others for information and access to resources, and to make donations," Hodder said adding, "Even if you've seen The Vagina Monologues before you haven't seen it like this. There's new material, and it's a bold, inspiring production. Women will relate, men will learn something, and everyone will be entertained."

Please note: Due to the adult themes, this show is not suitable for children. 

Show dates and times for "The Vagina Monologues": evening shows at 7:30 are on Saturday, March 15, Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22; Sunday March 16 at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. Purchase advance tickets at www.thewaldotheatre.org/thevaginamonologues

The Waldo Theatre is at 916 Main St. in Waldoboro.