Meeting the Ministry of Health

Wow, where do I begin? The day couldn't have gone any better. It was surreal.

We arrived at the Ministry of Health in Kampala and met with our dear friend and TGF family member, Patrick. Like any national government office we had to pass through a guarded gate, through metal detectors, and passed armed guards in the hall (carrying rifles) We first met with the Senior Health Planner for Uganda, who prepped us a bit on protocol We were joined by the president of the National Nurse and Midwives Union, and the Commissioner of Nursing.

Meg gave a presentation summarizing the two years of research The Gretta Foundation has compiled. We then set a vision for the future of Ugandan health; a future that could only flourish with more nurses, trained in country, and retained in Uganda. The Minister listened attentively, asked probing questions which Meg deftly fielded.

Hearing about our conference on Thursday with the major stakeholders in Ugandan health, the Minister reviewed our list and asked if there were any that were not attending. Upon hearing that a few were not, he asked that the message be conveyed that the Minister requested their attendance at our conference. The Minister than asked the Senior Health Adviser to coordinate efforts with TGF in submitting a proposal to a major health donor. The Minister was also happy to help facilitate a meeting with a major government agency operating in Uganda.

Meg facilitated a wonderful presentation which was later confirmed by all in attendance. The Minister concluded with the statement "Anything we can do to keep you here, we will do". We took pictures then walked out in a daze. Two years of research and hard work had been validated by the Minister of Health who embraced the vision of The Gretta Foundation.

What more can I say. A good day's work!

Back in Uganda! (by Tania Hanson-De Young)

Meg and I have arrived safely in Uganda without incident, other than a flat tire on the Bay Bridge on our way to SFO! The trip took us 32 hours total and although we felt fine, we both slept 12 hours last night. Meg is preparing for our meeting tomorrow with the Ministry of Health and we meet this evening with our wonderful in-country volunteer Patrick for dinner to strategize about our conference on Thursday.

Meg was asking how I felt to be in Uganda and to tell you the truth, we were all so focused on V-Day Lafayette that I haven’t had a chance to give it enough thought. I am very excited to have firsthand experience with our work here and to meet with all the major stakeholders in health. I am also looking forward to meeting the wonderful volunteers here that are dedicated to the mission of The Gretta Foundation. I look forward to understanding Ugandan culture too as I feel it is imperative to the success of any program functioning internationally. Now if Meg and I can just remember to walk on the left that will be a start. Good thing we aren’t driving! More soon.

Graphic Designer's Update (by Laura Windisch)

I had a chance to see a preview of the performance last night and it was AWESOME. We are so lucky to have this ensemble! Our marketing team has been working hard to share the news of this important event. On the visual end, I've been working to create a look and feel for the materials and environment that ties The Vagina Monologues to The Gretta Foundation, while staying true to the vision of the production team.

TGF. TVM. What binds the forces behind these acronyms?

As an organization, The Gretta Foundation (TGF) stands for the same traits as the nurses it supports: it is empowering, caring, personal, and professional. The Gretta Foundation identity and logo, based on Gretta Styles’ signature, is about the exponential power of one.

Providing a nursing scholarship has an immediately profound impact on one woman’s life and tremendously improves her family’s outlook. When you consider each individual of that disease-burdened country that she will provide care for–especially given the severe healthcare shortage–the number of those positively impacted becomes enormous. Add to that all the individuals whose fears of losing a loved one are relieved, and the number becomes countless. And all by enabling one education.

The Vagina Monologues (TVM). Mono. One person’s story, now seen and heard by millions, sparking conversation, action, and change.

The overlap between TGF and TVM lies in the widespread effect of one individual’s innate power to touch another human, both physically and emotionally. A donor has this power. A cast member has this power. And certainly, a nurse has this power.

At the Lafayette venue, in addition to the performance, we will be communicating the power of one visually through portraits of Gretta Scholars, with quotes serving as mini-monologues. We've used quotes since the creation of our identity (on the website, in the brochure, etc) to express this message, so it fits well.

And what's up with the paint splatters? Bold, feminine, personal expression. Limitless opportunity to influence the canvas.

Welcome to the venue, and I hope you enjoy the show!!

From the Director (by Marian Rutenberg)

The debut of the "Vagina Monologues" is officially one day away. Last night I was reminded yet again what an amazing cast we've assembled. Not only are they breathing new life into Eve Ensler's monologues, but they are a wonderful group of women. I'll let the women tell you a bit more about themselves, in their own words:

Jay-Marie Garcia, a spitfire "Woman 1" in the opening monologue, comes to us by way of the Gretta Foundation. When asked about her life, she said, "I have a great husband and I rode on the back of his Harley to Reno Street Vibrations in 2008. I have three awesome children and four dachshunds. I also own and operate an independent insurance agency business. I've been a member of Soroptimist since 1987 and helped start the Monument Crisis Center in Concord. I love working with Seniors. I also love music and singing. Baseball is my favorite sport. Go Oakland A's!"

Nariza Paras, our official "moaner" from the monologue, "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy" states, "I’m the luckiest mommy in the world. I'm mother to Alyx, Skylar, Devin and Ava. I'm married to my best friend, Kevin. I've been singing and dancing since I could remember. I’m a ham for musicals. Yes, I am a certified massage therapist. Also work as part of wonderful Ob/Gyn practice In Walnut Creek by day. I love to snowboard! It’s such an honor to work with all the wonderful people involved with The Gretta Foundation. Go Forty-Niners!" Looks like we've got a couple of sports fans on the cast.

Marcy Dubova is a perfect example of the diversity in our cast, people are already blown away by her performance in "Flood". We're so lucky to have her. Marcy says, "I am a proud septuagenarian in the prime of my life. Rachel is my amazing daughter and we love to giggle. I love Playback Theatre and am a member of the Bay Area Playback Theatre troupe. I am still working as a counselor and I find that aging gives me an amazing ability for compassion, love and insight. It's a job where "too old" is not a part of the vocabulary. My family, friends and one-eyed cat Punim supply me with ample connection in my life. I am blessed." We are truly blessed to call Marcy a member of our cast.

At the other end of the experience spectrum, we get a fresh perspective from Olivia Zuffi, the star of the monologue titled "6 Year Old." "I am 17 years old and I’m a junior at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. I play volleyball and run track. The “Vagina Monologues” is my first performance, and I’m really excited to be a part of it!" We can't wait to see her on the stage.

Jennifer Perlmutter, who ends the show with her wonderful rendition of the monologue "I Was There in the Room, " had this to say, "I live in Lafayette with my husband and 7 year old son. We recently moved back to Northern California after being away for 25 years and are enjoying every breath of fresh air. I have had a professional art career for ten years and keep a studio in the Sawtooth Building in Berkeley. I am passionate about organizing community for a positive cause and am dedicated to the creative process. I believe in equal opportunity for all people which is why I'm so committed to the Vagina Monologues and the Gretta Foundation."

Besides Melanie Bandera-Hess, we can count four additional drama therapists as cast members! Melanie has quite an acting background in addition to her psychology degree, "I have a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Sonoma State University and a M.A. in Psychology specializing in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I began preforming at the age of 9 and made my debut as Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, lots of tears for a nine year old! I have performed in productions of "Angels in America", "Electra", "Twelfth Night", "A Midsummer Nights Dream". My life changed when I gave birth to my son Colin in 2008, in a peaceful and beautiful homebirth assisted by a Midwife. I am grateful to my amazing husband Scott who has made it possible for me to be home full time with Colin. I am hoping to start part time work in the next year as a MFT intern working towards my license, or teaching Theatre or Psychology at the College level. In the meantime, I have started my own small children's party entertainment company specializing in Balloon Twisting and Face Painting (spriteparties.com). I am honored and delighted to be a part of such an amazing project. Eve Ensler's work is profound and inspiring and the women of Uganda that will benefit from the funds we raise have touched my heart. I am so happy to be able to work in service of them and the women, men and children that will benefit from their skilled nursing." Melanie stars in both "Hair" and "Angry Vagina".

Bruna Palmiero will take your breath away with her rendition of "My Vagina Was My Village." Her journey to us is a fascinating story in itself. "I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States when I was sixteen. Now, I am almost twenty. I am always on the move, because I love learning new languages and cultures. I am also fascinated by photography, music, literature and cinema. But mainly, I’m in love with theater. Since I was a little girl, it was a pleasure to pretend being someone that was not me, experiencing other voices, bodies and souls. My dream is to make people connect their lives to what I represent in stage. My dream is to be a truly devoted and respected actress." Folks, Bruna is a talent to watch. I look forward to seeing her future endeavors.

Kim Cohn Wilks, who stars in "The Vagina Workshop," says, "I hold undergrad degrees in Theatre and American Sign Language, a Master’s in Psychology and am a Soroptimist Scholar. Favorite past projects include one-woman cabaret at Enrico’s in Northbeach, playing “Gerty” in The Sea Horse, and every mother-character in a studio version of Sondheim’s Into The Woods. More recently, I’ve enjoyed creating self-revelatory theatre as both writer/performer as well as director, choreographer and consultant to others’ self-rev process. I enjoy working with graduate students as a faculty member of the Institute for Developmental Transformations and as guest lecturer of Drama Therapy at The California Institute of Integral Studies, JFK University, St. Mary’s College and as a Board Certified Trainer with the National Association for Drama Therapy. I salute my fellow actors and am humbled to be on this stage." Kim is a wonderful addition to our cast.

One of our professional actors and the star of "The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could", Shanique S. Scott has performed in venues as diverse as theater festivals, AFRO SOLO theater festival, 2004 and 2005, the San Francisco theater festival 2006, 2008. She has also performed in upscale comedy clubs such as New York Comedy Club, Stand Up New York Comedy Club, and The Punch line in San Francisco. She has also performed in high schools, prisons, group homes and halfway houses. “PRISONS”, her latest one woman show was premiered at The Jon Sims Center for the Performing Arts in San Francisco and The La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley. Ms. Scott has been seen in: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, A Song For Coretta By Pearl Cleage and Well By Lisa Kron. Shanique also has a Masters Degree in Theater and Women’s Studies.

Catherine Debon, our sexy French siren in "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy." Originally from France, Catherine (pronounced Cat-reen) has created dance and theater pieces since 1983. Originally a dancer and currently a physical theater improviser, she integrates body awareness when directing self-revelatory performances with students at CIIS and when creating original performances. Her solos have been performed at the San Francisco Fringe, in various Bay Area venues and at conferences around the country. She will performed her next solo at The Garage in San Francisco in April.

Last but not least, I'm happy to introduce Pamela Greenberg, who says, "I have a BA in Theatre from the University of Florida and have performed in productions of “Curse of the Starving Class,” “Off the Map,” “Love, Sex and the IRS,” and stage managed productions of “Marisol,” “What Are Tuesdays Like,” and “The Seagull.” I came to the Bay Area to pursue a Master’s Degree in Drama Therapy at the California Insitute of Integral Studies and currently work as a therapist specializing in the treatment of early psychosis. I am currently working on writing my second self-revelatory performance, a solo piece that I will perform in San Francisco in April." Pamela will leave you in stitches with her hilarious take on the monologue "Because He Liked to Look At It".

I'm blown away by the truly brilliant jewels we have as cast members and I can't wait for you to meet them starting March 19th! I also look forward to meeting you, our audience member, as we all celebrate life, love and a women's most precious part for three fabulous nights!

V-Day Countdown (by Meg Styles)

Yesterday I had the tremendous pleasure of working with the cast and seeing all the hard work that they have put into preparing for this extraordinary show we have ahead of us this weekend.

As we all know, Eve Ensler is a brilliant writer. I’m thrilled because I feel she would be very impressed with the incredible talent of V-Day Lafayette. Their performance will no doubt pay a beautiful tribute to her work.

Yesterday I got to see a full run-through of The Vagina Monologues performed by our incredible cast. I found myself at times shocked, always mesmerized, sometimes laughing out of my chair, or crying through my Kleenex, and overall just blown out of my socks.

Behind the scenes is our wonderful director, Marian, who directs her talented actors through inspiration, intelligence and great care and appreciation for their artistry. She herself is gifted. Sean, the stage manager has been an extraordinary support and masterful organizer and facilitator. And our executive producer, Marie-Louise, is passionate and clearly dedicated to this entire process.

I am the president and founder of The Gretta Foundation, and as the beneficiary of this benefit performance, I was very moved to see all the hard work and incredible creatively expended to make this weekend one that will not soon be forgotten.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Because of a lot of dedication, hard work, inspiration, passion, and creativity, we are all in for a real treat this weekend.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!