‘Vagina’ Is Back in the Marquee

Twenty-five years ago, I had the honor to direct Humboldt County’s first local production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” It sold out every seat for three nights.

Back then, Eureka Theater board members — none of whom had a vagina — refused to put the word “vagina” on the marquee. It simply read, “Monologues.” Conversations about sexuality — pleasure, harm, power — were largely private, even taboo.

Today, that same theater is fully behind this Valentine’s weekend production, doing everything it can to help it succeed. That change shows how far we’ve come, and how much work still remains.

“The Vagina Monologues” has always been about more than women’s bodies. It’s about the right to healthy, joyful sexuality, to pleasure, safety, autonomy and voice — at every age.

This year’s production intentionally centers trans, non-binary and queer voices. These are the people carrying the most risk today, and their stories have always belonged to this work. The play asks, “Who is allowed to speak openly about their body, and who is still silenced?” In 2026, those questions feel urgent, alive and deeply human.

And if you’re still unsure how to use “they” and “them” or feel nervous about getting pronouns right, this production welcomes curiosity. You don’t have to arrive fluent, only open. These stories meet us with gentle humor, generosity and room to learn.

And pssst! … our vaginas are now 25 years older. There are creams and hormones and real bodily changes we need to talk about — out loud, with care, humor and a little estrogen.

Here in Humboldt County, access to health care and truly safe spaces can be limited, especially for queer folks, elders and those living outside dominant narratives. Telling these stories aloud isn’t symbolic — it’s essential. It’s how we reduce isolation, share knowledge and remember we’re not alone in these bodies.

And yes, 25 years ago, one board member’s wife told her husband he’d never see her vagina again unless the marquee changed. She convinced other wives to join her. “Vagina” went up on the marquee. We call that the “Humboldt version of Lysistrata.”

This anniversary production isn’t a nostalgic revival. It’s a response to this moment, a celebration of resilience and a reminder that storytelling — especially when it’s funny, brave and embodied — can still change lives.

Kristy Hellum of Arcata is the “vulvalicuous” director of The Vagina Monologues at the Eureka Theater, 612 F St., to benefit Humboldt Domestic Violence Services and Together Women Rise. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 & 14, 8 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. matinee, Sunday, Feb. 15. Click bit.ly/2026VM for tickets.