Lisa Citore’s new play, Bloodlines, explores the different perceptions and experiences of menstruation by women around the world. She’s also busy directing the show, but I caught up with her to ask about her inspiration. The play opens tonight, Thursday, March 15, at Center Stage Theater, and runs weekends through March 24. Call 963-0408 or see centerstagetheater.org.

1) So Bloodlines is all about menstruation. How did the idea evolve? It’s not a subject you see treated every day. My daughter was about to menstruate for the first time, and I wanted to make it a celebration-so many young women dread the experience. I wrote to my friends and asked them to share their wisdom to make the experience a meaningful one, and became inspired to interweave their stories into one.

2) What was the most striking theme that emerged? Some pieces of the show are hilarious, wicked, edgy-others are beautiful and profound. But all of them recognize the mystery that is within us, and the beauty of the feminine aspects of the world as expressed through menstruation.

3) To go with the unusual subject matter, is there anything unique in the staging? We’ve put poi spinners, a Balinese dragon-lady, and capoeira all on one stage, accompanying each monologue with physical expression. I’m thrilled with the result-it’s an enlightening and entertaining show.

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