Meet the Cast !!

Tallash Kantai

My name is Tallash Kantai. I'm a Kenyan, studying environmental policy and conflict resolution at The Fletcher School at Tufts University. The poignant stories in the Monologues are a testament to the strength of the woman in the most horrendous of situations. VM 2012 to me signifies a new fight, but also the continuation of the old- until the violence stops: from Boston to Nairobi and beyond, women everywhere should be able to live a life free of violence. We will shout about it until we're hoarse, we will not stop until the violence does.

I really look forward to getting to know these wonderful women in the cast- each has her own unique style, and is traveling her own path. I am glad that our paths have crossed and I hope that we can form bonds that will transcend borders.

Vivian Liu-Somers

Natalia Musatova 

This is a wonderful production and I am honored to play a role in Vagina Monologues 2012. As an actress and a proud feminist, I find it to be a dream-come-true challenge to be talking about issues that are commonly forgotten, ignored or swept under the rug.

 I am passionate about justice and helping the most vulnerable. Vagina Monologues helps us voice our concerns and bring significant issues to the surface.  This is something women are not always able to do in my native Saint Petersburg, Russia.

 I hope we end up exceeding our own expectations this year and raise an insane amount that will serve a good cause. And, of course, I am sure we will have a lot of fun along the way. 

I am grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to do it again. I especially appreciate all the women involved and the new friendships I have gained through this experience.

Cecilia Villero

A social worker/sexuality educator by day and an Athena's Goddess by night, Cecilia is passionate about promoting a healthy view of sexuality and self-care. Naturally, being a part of V-Day felt like the next step in spreading her "healthy, happy vulva" message.  Though this is her first time performing in the Vagina Monologues, she is no stranger to being on stage. Cecilia has studied and performed Middle Eastern dance, and most recently danced as Mary in "Raks Nativity: A Christmas Pageant Told With Middle Eastern Music." She is excited to be part of this year's cast and is looking forward to flexing her acting muscles in addition to her kegels.

Melissa Bornmann 

Melissa is new to Boston and is excited to be back in theater after a six year hiatus.  The Vagina Monologues marks her foray back into serious theater, having been a musical theater geek most of her adult life.  She is thrilled to be working with CCCP and is honored to be part of such an amazing group of people.  In her spare time Melissa is a Goddess with Athena's Home Novelties, whose mission is to empower women and men down the path of sexual education in the safe, comfortable environment of their own homes by offering high quality products. (www.athenashn.com/2246)  She also spins and breathes - so multi-talented!  She would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support, and Edna for her < 3.

Why are you involved in V Day?

I believe that by telling our stories, we begin to heal through sharing.  I want to make a difference in people's lives and by sharing my own story of survival, I can reach others who think recovery is not possible.  Everyone deserves to feel safe and loved, and yet our world is far from that.  We have to stop the violence against women, and it begins in our homes, in our conversations, in everything we do.  It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to give a voice to the women of The Vagina Monologues - their stories have moved, touched and inspired the world for the last 14 years and will live on as long as we keep up the fight to end this violence.  Being a part of TVM has rekindled my love of the theater but more importantly, my desire to share and make connections.  Ask yourself:  What are YOU doing to make a difference?

Delisa Vieir

Corbie-Cohen, Carmen

Carmen Cohen is participating in her fourth performance of the Vagina Monologues. She has performed various monologues also with Lesley University's and Suffolk University's presentation of the Vagina Monologues. She is a wife and mother of two children and hopes to serve as an inspiration to others to explore their own creative sides. She has worked in the field of education for over 9 years and is currently earning her Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy.

Dayenne c. b. Walters

 Dayenne c. byron Walters (Boston, Massachusetts) was recently cast as Mrs. Bennet in the Theatre@First (Somerville Theatre) adaption of Pride and Prejudice. Previous feature roles include Vera, in the "The Oldest Profession" by Paula Vogel, for Theatre@First, Barebones Production, Gammy, in “Giddy in Love”, an independent film, the TCAN Players' production of "Doubt", by John Patrick Shanley, as Mrs. Muller, in the Actors' Shakespeare Project’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and readings of "Our Girl from Trenton" by Cliff Odle (New Urban Theatre Lab), and “A to Z” by Monica Raymond, at the Boston Playwright’s Theatre.

She is a dancer/choreographer with Benkadi Drum and Dance, an African dance company. Her choreography has been staged at Boston City Hall, the Somerville Theatre and at the Dance Complex.

Neha Gandhi

I grew up watching my mom fighting for women rights and helping domestic violence victims . I feel terribly handicapped and disillusioned by the claims being made all over the world about equality between sexes. I ache to do something for the women fraternity.Being an actress, I feel this a great platform for me to show my support for the great cause that the show stands for.I feel honored to be part of this show for the 2nd time.In Bombay, the Vagina Monologues is always performed by celebrities only. Now I feel that we are no less than celebrities ourselves!!!”

Nikki Pirog

Nikki is your typical vegetarian bookworm juggler who likes to curl up with a good zombie movie in her spare time. In her non-spare time, she works as an American Sign Language interpreter for a local elementary school. She is also quite pleased to be celebrating her 7th year in helping to end violence against women.

Stephanie Trilling

I am happy to be a part of this community production of V-Day!  I love the vagina monologues for all of the laughter, moans, anger, and tears.  I work at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) and believe that strong communities can end sexual violence by rejecting rape supportive norms and promoting a culture of safety, respect, and support to all people.  My wish is for all young people to grow up in a world that teaches them to love and respect vaginas!

Susan "Pebbles" Semedo

It is a privilege and an honor to once again be a part of The Vagina Monologues.  Besides being a unique bonding experience between an amazing group of women, it's a chance to give a voice to those who do not have one.  It's not only a chance to bring light to the dark subject of violence against women, but also to show that there is hope.  

I lend my voice for my niece, my goddaughters, and all the other women and girls who I pray never have to experience the horrific abuse so many women have had to endure in our backyard and around the globe. 













Lindsay Beene

Hey y'all! I hail from the land of BBQ, Bibles, and booze: Tennessee. My love of the ocean and longing for a more progressive community are what brought me to New England. I was born with a love to ham it up and theater has proved the ideal outlet for me. I have participated in productions both on and backstage, and performed in the Vagina Monologues during my time at Maryville College. 

I am involved with The Vagina Monologues to celebrate the accomplishments of women worldwide for equal opportunity in work, healthcare, and quality of life. Additionally I chose participate in the Monologues to draw awareness to the on going needs of women in our own country, and in the international community, who still lack basic rights and access to necessary healthcare. I want to help give these women a voice. 

I am looking forward to working with a cast of strong women to tell the real stories of hope, anxiety, humor, bravery, fear, love, and ultimately vaginas.

Mary Bowen

Mary Bowen is an actress, writer and film historian working in educational media & A/V technology. Last year, she served as a contributing writer and feature performer in the Cambridge, MA review The Nitty Gritty Show: Beyond the Queer Veneer and has graced the stage at The Middle East Upstairs as part of Nerdy Cabaret, singing and performing in musical comedy/improv skits. She is excited to be treading the boards once more in this spring's production of the Vagina Monologues, a project that means a lot to her as, "Sadly, I have known so many women who are survivors of abuse --physical, verbal, emotional-- and being a part of something that aims to put a stop to such violence, and perhaps help to heal hearts and minds, is a privilege and a challenge."






Valerie Tobia

I became inspired and interested in the Vagina Monologues during
college when I saw my first performance of the play.  It was amazing,
empowering, sad and educational all in the same moment.  A few years
later I banded together with Caitlin our amazing Director and a few
friends to develop what is now V-Day Cambridge Cooperative Community.
I am so amazed at the success it has had and the amount of awareness
and change it has brought to our community! I am excited to get back
on stage this year and perform with another PHENOMENAL group of women.

Personally and professionally I feel a draw to this work.  We need to
talk, we need to share, we need to scream in outrage and spread our
message as widely as possible!  As a Sexual Health and HIV Educator
and Public Health Social Worker, advocating for change and talking
about violence against women and children is part of my daily work.
The Vagina Monologues and the V-Day Campaign allows us to gather as a
community in an intimate, real and personal space to speak out against
these issues.  Art is protest, Art is awareness, Art is therapy, Art
is change.