When Lynann Politte performed the one-woman show “Eve Was Framed” at the Blue Heron a year ago, she was unsure how audiences would react to the comedic commentary on misogyny. Politte was pleasantly surprised that Islanders not only loved the show but encouraged her to present it to a wider audience. Now, with help from the Island non-profit Performance Exchange, Politte is preparing to kick off a state-wide tour of “Eve Was Framed” at the University of Washington this spring.

In “Eve Was Framed,” part of Vashon Allied Arts’ 2009 New Works Series, Politte communicates powerful messages about society’s treatment of women through bold and sometimes shocking monologues, music, poetry and dance. Politte, a veteran director and producer, said the show was her first foray into writing and producing.

“It’s a show that intertwines my personal experiences, my observations of our culture and historical context of what we face as women in a patriarchal society. … I was inspired by The Vagina Monologues, which brings up these deep issues of women yet in humorous way,” she said.

Politte has lined up two April performances of “Eve Was Framed” at the University of Washington. She hopes the performances, sponsored by the school’s women’s studies department, will be the first of several across the state and maybe even the country. However, before Politte can take her show on the road, she must raise $5,000 to rent the performance hall, underwrite the show’s costs and prepare the set to travel.

Jeanne Dougherty, who heads Performance Exchange, said she began the nonprofit in 2007 to help performers like Politte, who serves on the new organization’s board. Performance Exchange gives unaffiliated Island artists — people working on their own — the means to fundraise for projects and provides them administrative support.

“People tend to be more comfortable making donations to non-profit organizations,” Dougherty said. “They get a tax deduction, and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to make sure the money they donate is used for the intended purpose.”

Teamed up with Performance Exchange, Politte is kicking off her Send Eve to College fundraiser, soliciting donations from supporters of her show.

Politte said she was inspired by Islanders to take her show to the next level and is thrilled to see it finally happening. “It’s exciting, as any new venture is exciting and a bit intimidating at the same time. I’m just going for it,” she said.

Dougherty said fundraising for the arts is never easy, but she has confidence that Politte will meet her goals.

“You start with a good product, and I think ‘Eve Got Framed’ was a terrific show,” she said. “I think Lynann is a hard worker, and she lives in a generous community.”

To donate to Politte’s fundraiser, visit www.yonispeaks.com or send a check to Performance Exchange, P.O. Box 421, Vashon, WA 98070.