Women prepare for ‘Vagina Monologues’
Feb. 15, 2008
Senior Maggie Davolos and freshman Danielle Moser review material during a rehearsal Wednesday at Memorial Union for ‘The Vagina Monologues.’ This was the cast’s last rehearsal before their performance on Saturday.
(Click graphic to enlarge)
For women performing in MU’s production of “The Vagina Monologues,” the “V” in V-Day stands not only for Valentine’s, but also victory.
Ten years ago, playwright, performer and activist Eve Ensler performed the first “The Vagina Monologues,” a collection of more than 200 women’s stories, which celebrate their sexuality and strength. “The Vagina Monologues” is part of the V-Day campaign, a global movement that raises funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls.
A performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in Jesse Auditorium. This will be the seventh time the show is performed at MU.
Stronger Together Against Rape cooperates with the Organization Resource Group to sponsor the show, and staff members from the MU Women’s Center advise its production.
Adviser Struby Struble explained that though the words of the monologues never change, the feelings and emotions that each actress puts into them makes each show a new experience.
“Sometimes a monologue that is very triumphant one year is very sad the next because different women perform from their own experience,” Struble said.
Women from various parts of campus, different ages and backgrounds auditioned for monologues this year. The women who perform make each year unique, Struble said.
Fundraising co-chairwoman Jen Miller said people should go to this year’s show even if they have seen it before or have read Ensler’s book.
“Although the monologues will be the same, it’s really what the cast members put it into it,” Miller said.
Miller will be on stage during the monologue “What does your vagina smell like?” with three other women. She participated in the monologues last year.
To put on the stage production, cast members have to work behind the scenes. The first informational meeting was held in September, and participants auditioned in October. Since then, the women have been involved in fundraising, advertising and educational committees.
The fundraising committee held a dine-in at Shakespeare’s Pizza last week as their main fundraiser. They also asked organizations on campus for donations.
These funds and the money raised from ticket sales go toward production costs and then to groups dedicated to helping women who have been victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and those who are hearing impaired.
“Anything above and beyond what it costs to put the show on goes to The Shelter and the L.E.A.D. Institute,” Miller said.
These are both organizations in Columbia aimed at stopping violence against girls and women. The Shelter provides services and a safe haven to fleeing women and their children. The L.E.A.D. Institute provides services for men and women who are hearing impaired, some who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Because another goal of V-Day is to raise awareness in the community and on campus, the educational committee presents a topic to the rest of the cast members at each rehearsal.
“To be an effective activist it’s important to know about the subject you’re going to be acting on,” education committee co-chairwoman Amy Williams said. “Every one (presentation) gives me an opportunity to learn more. You can never know too much.”
The education committee held a Stop the Violence Resource Fair with representatives from local organizations last week. Representatives from The Shelter, the Rape Education Office, STAND, Stop Traffic, the Feminist Student Union and Step Up! provided information, resources and opportunities for volunteers at the fair.
Tickets for the Vagina Monologues cost $8 for students and $10 for the general public.
More Feb. 15, 2008 News Stories
- Johanson talks sex, lube and safety — One of the most common questions sex educator Sue Johanson receives is “Am I normal?” After using words such as ...
- Disability forum reveals challenges — Transportation, lecture hall seating and recreation center offerings top the list of challenges faced by disabled students on campus, said ...
- Enrollment numbers higher than last year — Preliminary enrollment numbers for MU remain high in several areas, a university enrollment official said, but she also warned of ...
- Gunman kills at least six at NIU — The university cancelled all classes Thursday and Friday.
- Violent crime increases — Violent crime rates increased 34 percent in Columbia in 2007, according to the 2007 Local Uniform Crime Report the Columbia ...
Most recent News Stories
- Officials OK younger STRIPES drivers — Program leaders hope to inspire similar programs at other schools.
- Fire department says Thursday night blaze set intentionally — Officials are searching for one arsonist in two cases
- Department of Student Life diverts money from diversity fee — Diversity groups were not notified of a transfer of $30,771 for the equipment reserve fund.
- MSA Senate recommends fee decrease — The committee recommended a decrease of 25 cents to $1.70.
- MU to gradually ban smoking — Officials cite student support for the policy.