TAHLEQUAH — One by one, they take the stage and talk about topics usually reserved for discussions between best friends or psychiatrists, or never spoken about at all.

The tell the stories of women from all over the world. Some are funny, some heart-rending, but they all convey a message: Female sexuality exists and is no cause for shame, and violence against women will not be tolerated.

“The Vagina Monologues,” now in its 12 year of local production, will take the at the Northeastern State University Playhouse March 2-4. The event spotlights 15 women’s stories, and is considered readers theater.

The director, local resident Traci Clark, said while the play may not be for everyone, she encourages others to attend with an open mind.

“Some of the things [attendees] will hear may be shocking to them,” said Clark. “Other monologues offer comic relief. A lot of the monologues are about things women discuss among themselves, but not everywhere. I think it’s a good thing for both men and women to see and hear.”

Eve Ensler wrote “The Vagina Monologues” in 1996, compiling interviews with over 200 women about thir memories and experiences of sexuality. It has since launched numerous stage productions, has been translated into 24 different languages, and started a grassroots movement, V-Day, to stop violence against women.

“Every year, V-Day spotlights areas of concern,” said Clark. “This year, the focus is on Haiti, Kenya and the Republic of Congo, which have suffered an onslaught of sexual violence against women.”

The local production benefits Help-In-Crisis. Performances will be held at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, March 2-3; and 3 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for students. Parental discretion is advised. All performances will be at the NSU Playhouse, corner of Downing and Muskogee.

“This year, the V-Day theme is ‘One Billion Rising,’” said Clark. “Because by this time next year, over one billion women worldwide will have suffered some sort of abuse. I think, by people coming to events like ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ we send a strong message that violence toward women will not be tolerated anywhere, including our home community.”

The campaign launched on Valentine’s Day, and includes events and initiatives at over 5,800 colleges and communities across the world, from Zambia to Poland to Tahlequah.

“More than one out of every three women on this planet will experience violence during her lifetime,” said Ensler in a recent press release. “With seven billion people on the planet, that’s one billion women. Stopping this violence is as crucial as addressing the issues of disease, hunger and climate change. One Billion Rising is a global strike, a call to refuse to participate until rape and rape culture ends. It’s a solidarity reach, a new refusal, and a new way of being.”

Peggy Cotten, local resident and participant in the upcoming production, said she is constantly moved by the monologue she’s performing.

“When I read through it initially, I became emotional,” said Cotten. “[Saturday], during rehearsal, I just sobbed.”

In addition to “The Vagina Monologues,” Clark is also coordinating with Help-In-Crisis to host a musical event: “Jammin ‘Til the Violence Stops,” slated for 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah. Admission is $5, and proceeds from the event will also benefit HIC.

“We’ll have a number of local musicians performing for us,” said Clark. “The lineup includes Dana Waters, Dena Coleman, Lyle Dieter and the Franke Lee Band.”

This is Clark’s ninth year to be involved with “The Vagina Monologues.”

“It’s a very personal thing, for me,” said Clark. “Coming to this church, UUCT, has opened my eyes. They focus on volunteering and community. By coming here, it’s prompted me and given me the courage to get more involved.”