A benefit production of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monolo-gues" will be held Saturday, March 3, at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines.

The two performances, at 2 and 8 p.m., are in celebration of V-Day, and are sponsored by the V-Day Southern Pines Organizing Committee.

Through benefit performances of this play that take place between Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) and International Women's Day (March 8), a V-Day event provides a way for diverse local women, activists and actors to collaborate and express universal ideas and emotions regarding violence against women in their own unique way, tailored to their individual experiences and their specific audiences.

The proceeds from these events are donated directly to local organizations in the community that are working to stop this violence.

To date, V-Day has raised over $40 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, funded more than 5,000 community-based anti-violence programs, reopened shelters, and funded safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq.

"The goal is to increase awareness of, and help stop violence against women and girls," says a spokesman.

Tickets are $15, with seniors, students and single working mothers being admitted for $10.

For further information, contact Beth McSwain at 603-4514 or e-mail vdaybeth@yahoo.com.

The Web site is www.vday.org.