Monologues bring issues of violence, sex to foreground
Performance part of campaign to end violence against women

By Spencer Ferrell

Mirror Staff Writer
February 22, 2008

As I make my way to the Humanities building, I have one thought coursing through my mind, “Don’t laugh…. Don’t laugh…. Don’t laugh…” It’s Valentine’s Day, I’m single and without a date, and the only women I will be speaking with tonight are actresses in the TheVagina Monologues.

I am not a shy person, but I can’t shake the thought of while attending the performance alone tonight I will inevitably look a little creepy. My nervousness increases when I open the door on the east side of the building and see a large gathering of people outside the doors. The thought of everyone staring at me as I enter Kresge Recital Hall instills a certain amount of fear in me, but it’s a little too late to back out now. I suck it up and show the woman at the door my student ID card.

As I spot one of my floormates and make my way to the seat next to him, I become increasingly more comfortable with the atmosphere in the theater. Idle chatter and the occasional loud laugh from the crowded room fill the air. I sit down and reassure myself, I’m a progressive guy, this is important for society to hear, and if I can live through eighth grade health I can handle this.

The lights dim and co-directors junior Kendra Scott and sophomore Jen Elwood enter the stage. The directors invite anyone in the audience who is a victim of sexual violence to stand and be recognized. The answer is enough to stagger anyone as a large amount of attendees stand, both men and women.

For the next hour and a half, a handful of women give an incredible performance full of humor, astounding statistics, sadness and a cold slap of reality. The Monologues’ themes vary, discussing affairs, age, sex, clinical exams, violence, birth, sexual orientation and V-Day.

V-Day stands as a campaign to end violence against women of all ages and a way to raise awareness and funds via the performances of The Vagina Monologues. The campaign has raised $45 million thus far and is becoming increasingly recognized around the world.

One of the many facets touched on was the environment, with a special emphasis on New Orleans at the very end of the performance. Focusing on a feminist Mother Earth opens a new window and offers a different viewpoint for possible ways to help the environment.

Included with the small playbill, which simply states the speakers of the monologues, is a large pamphlet containing a wealth of information about V-Day. The exceptionally pink sheet explains V-Day, its mission statement, the connection to the women of New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina and a small biography of the award-winning and author of the play Eve Ensler.

The performance is riveting, enlightening and universally enjoyable, no matter one’s gender or sexual orientation.

“It is unfortunate that this problem is not as widely recognized as it should be. On the brighter side, I thoroughly enjoyed TheVagina Monologues; it’s great to see something so honest on campus,” freshman Regan Diller said.

For those of us able to witness The Vagina Monologues, we have a better understanding of the world today and the sexual violence that is so prevalent.

“I think they did a good job as students to handle those issues so maturely,” junior Andy Berger said. “They were very efficient in passing on their message.”

I left the theater without feeling uncomfortable, a little embarrassed for my silly anxieties and reassured that I have a bit more knowledge about my sense of duty to humanity. For those who wish for more information on V-Day, visit http://www.vday.org.