V-Day is upon us. And I’m not talking about Feb. 14.

V-Day is a global movement to end violence against girls and women, which you might know better by the name of the play at the heart of this movement and the woman who started it all: Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues.

Every year during V-Day season (January through March), benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues happen in hundreds of cities across the country. It’s a hysterical, touching, heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, side-clenching show that aims to remind us of the common experiences we all share as women and of the atrocities we should all be fighting to end, as humans.

If you’ve seen the show, if you haven’t, if you’ve heard of it, if you haven’t, if the title scares you a little bit or you wouldn’t mind shouting it from the rooftops — whoever you are, whatever your background and no matter your gender, this production is for you. Opening Thursday night at TheatreSouth, this play is full of real stories and real issues, told by real Memphis women. We’re not actresses, just passionate people who have something to say and want to be the megaphone for those who can’t speak themselves.

If you are a woman, if you love a woman, if you respect a woman — be there. TheatreSouth, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. each night, with doors opening at 7. Tickets are $10 in advance ($8 for students) and $12 at the door. You can order by e-mailing VagMoMemphis@gmail.com.

And for all the serious issues this show illuminates, I can guarantee you one thing. If you come, you will laugh. Maybe a little uncomfortably at first, a quiet giggle. Then a chuckle. Then a roar. Because at some point, you will think — as we all did the first time we saw this show — thank GOD someone finally said that out loud.

Come celebrate these stories with us, and give a little love for V-Day.

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