Thirty women will continue the Gustavus tradition of performing The Vagina Monologues for the Gustavus and St. Peter communities this February 25 and 26.
The Vagina Monologues is a series of monologues that have been created based on interviews of over 200 women talking about their fantasies and fears regarding their sexuality. “We all have different experiences with our vaginas, and the Monologues help tell stories of the good, the bad, the ugly and, most importantly, the beautiful,” Senior Geography Major Aubrey Austin said.
The Vagina Monologues has become widely popular all around the country. It is renowned for its humor and liberating qualities, and Gustavus has picked up on its importance. “It opens discussion on a taboo topic. The more discussions we can have, the more we can erase that taboo and replace it with knowledge which leads to acceptance and progress. Connecting to women through candid and frank characters allows emotional connection and is way more moving than listening to a theoretical discussion,” Junior Mathematics Major and participant Chloe Radcliffe said.
“The Monologues are a way to get together as a community and talk about women’s issues in a way that is funny, serious and informative at the same time. By talking about these things publicly, it invites discussion for other people about these important issues,” Austin said.
The Vagina Monologues are seen by its participants as a form of female empowerment. “It means giving a voice to women who cannot express their own and empowering women to love their bodies, EVERY part of their bodies,” Senior Biology Major and participant Keisha Bates said.
“Most people see vaginas as a taboo, whereas the penis is everywhere in society. We know what it does, we know what it looks like; all vaginas are different, and they all deserve respect,” Austin said.
While some people are simply excited to have this opportunity to discuss female sexuality,“I love The Vagina Monologues because I love my vagina,” Senior English Major Audrey Neal said. To others it may seem a bit intimidating.
The Vagina Monologues are meant to embrace the awkwardness most of us feel about the female anatomy. They are meant to open discussion in a productive healthy way about female sexuality. The performers of The Vagina Monologues invite all people to come to the performance regardless of gender, sexuality or modesty when it comes to vaginas.
“Vaginas are not something that get enough talk in our society, and oftentimes women are ashamed to discuss the happenings of ‘down there.’ The monologues help women to see that there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. And for the guys, it helps them to better understand why some women are uncomfortable with their bodies and how men can help us feel proud of what we have. Its not just for the ladies; guys can get a lot out of it too,” Senior Mathematics Major and participant Katie Schroeder said.
The Vagina Monologues will be performed on Feb. 25 at 8:00 p.m. at the Arts Center of St. Peter (right by River Rock), Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Wallenburg auditorium, and at 8:00 p.m. at the Arts Center of St. Peter. Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for non-students. The proceeds from the show will go toward the V-day campaign which works to stop violence against women and girls, and other charities that support women.