For more than two decades Eve Ensler’s play “The Vagina Monologues” has empowered women to speak frankly about their identities, dreams and, yes, sexual desires. Now, thanks to Key West writer Wayne Keller, men have a similar opportunity with “Cock Talk.”
“It’s like ‘The Vagina Monologues’ with balls,” teases promotions for the show, which will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.
According to director and producer Jason Hershin, “Cock Talk” is “a real look at the issues and thoughts going through a man’s head at any given time. Just four guys talking about…whatever comes up…the wacky issues that men deal with.”
“It’s not a gay show or a heterosexual show. It’s not porn. It’s not racy or raunchy,” promised Hershin, despite its name. “It’s just in-your-face, laugh-out-loud funny stories that all of us men share.”
The four characters include a good-looking “Chippendales”-type guy, an inexperienced “everyman,” a clinical “professor” and a gay guy, all interacting with the audience and sharing “funny stories that go along with the penis and how (men) grow up with these things.”
Keller originally wrote “Cock Talk” 10 years ago after seeing a performance of “The Vagina Monologues” and wondering why there wasn’t a counterpart from the “male perspective.” The play received its premiere at the Fringe Theater in Key West last February and was recently performed in Boca Raton before coming to Fort Lauderdale next week.
The current cast includes Christian Baquero, Jacob Harriss, Benny Reyes and Chris Merryman, who discuss wet dreams as teenagers, awkward experiences with condoms, becoming “pee shy” in a bathroom without stalls, and even the thrill of standing next to the jet in the pool.
“The word ‘taboo’ is huge, but these subjects are certainly awkward to say the least,” explained Hershin. “Believe it or not, men are afraid to talk about masturbation, erectile dysfunction and penis size with their buddies. I hope the play will open people up to discussing these issues more freely. We’re guilty of holding things in.”
The play isn’t afraid to broach more serious subjects, also. The gay character discusses coming out to his family, while another admits he was sexually abused by a coach as a boy.
Hershin emphasized the show provides a safe forum for these weighty topics, but is always tempered by lots of light-hearted comedy.
“Our job is to educate and entertain in a fun way and we never forget that,” he said.
Wayne Keller’s play, “Cock Talk,” will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $30 at EmpireStage.com.
