By Becky HallewellCONTROVERSIAL play, The Vagina Monologues, will be staged for one night only to raise money for a women's refuge.The play will be staged at Headgate Theatre in Colchester on March 22 to raise much-needed money to Colchester and Tendring's Women's Refuge.

By Becky Hallewell

CONTROVERSIAL play, The Vagina Monologues, will be staged for one night only to raise money for a women's refuge.

The play will be staged at Headgate Theatre in Colchester on March 22 to raise much-needed money to Colchester and Tendring's Women's Refuge.

Theatre director, Kerry King, 59, was so moved by her first experience of the play that she determined to bring it to Colchester.

"I was struck by these real stories. The monologues were controversial in the beginning, but real interest has grown from the fact that they are real stories, from real women. They're not sexual but mean something," she said.

"Some are funny, some disturbing, but each monologue is an intimate account of one individual woman's experience – and so powerful. It made me think we take our personal freedom for granted, while there are millions of women without it."

Proceeds from the Headgate performance will provide funds to help Colchester and Tendring Refuge move into new and larger premises, which are desperately needed.

"The refuge has had to turn down more than 600 requests for accommodation in the past two years," said Ms King. "More space is urgently needed."

"One woman is killed every three days in the course of domestic violence and one in four will experience domestic violence in her lifetime."

Despite her passionate interest in women's causes, and the play's female perspective, the Manningtree grandmother has struggled to see herself as a feminist.

"I'm only a feminist in that I believe anyone should have equal opportunities. I'd fight for a man's rights just as much as women's," she said. "As to the play, men are welcomed with open arms."

Tickets are available by calling the Headgate Theatre on 01206 366000.