The Vagina Monologues reaches out to help end violence against women

Returning to campus this spring is the annual Vagina Monologues, a production put on by the Womyn’s Awareness Center (WAC) and performed by Gustavus students from all backgrounds.

In support of V-Day, a world-wide movement to end violence against women, this compilation of dialogues is rehearsed annually and performed. The production covers topics in everything from masturbation to orgasms to rape, all while delivering a great array of emotions to the audience.

“It makes you laugh and it makes you cry,” WAC Co-President and Vagina Monologues casting director Junior Claudia Martinez said. “It’s really a funny show. Plus, the proceeds go to a wonderful network.”

Martinez, along with Co-Presidents Junior Linda Bui and Junior Mallory Shellum, leads the WAC in hosting events at Gustavus, such as “I Heart Female Orgasm” and “Take Back the Night” in addition to the Vagina Monologues.

All ticket proceeds for this production go to RAINN—the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. The WAC will be tabling outside the cafeteria selling tickets, chocolate vagina-pops and new t-shirts designed by Senior Marissa Shepherd.

While the monologues are strictly practiced and performed by female and transgender female students, men are welcome to help in other areas of the production. This year Senior Ethan Bjelland is trying his hand at directing the Monologues.

“Ethan has taken a little creative licensing with shifting the monologues,” Martinez said. “It’s applying a fresh mindset to the production.”

There are 27 participants in Vagina Monologues this year, including Martinez, who has been preparing for the show since November. Participants apply for the production then chose from a list of monologues.

These monologues are then practiced and performed for audiences in early March. The show has proven popular in the past, enticing a broad audience of both men and women from Gustavus and the St. Peter community.

“I encourage men to come. You learn so much,” Martinez said. “The goal of Vagina Monologues is to remove the stigma behind the word ‘vagina.’ We want to take away the taboo.”

Not only does the Vagina Monologues production take away the taboo, but they aim to liberate your inhibitions of femininity and female anatomy. “You get the chance to yell ‘cunt’ really loud. Come experience that freedom,” Martinez said.

The show not only offers a wide array of stories and dialogues, but it presents a great variety of Gusties from different backgrounds and organizations on campus.

“I love to see what everyone brings to their monologue,” Martinez said. “My favorite part is watching everyone perform.”

The show, once seen as too controversial, is welcomed by a large audience of Gusties.

“We generally have a super  support system,” Martinez said.

“I feel uncomfortable at times with the monologues, but you just go out there and you own them,” Sophomore and second year Vagina Monologue participant Beka Jimenez said. “The feedback from the audience is great.”

Vagina Monologues runs Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3, 2012 with two evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. in Bjorling Hall. Tickets cost 5 dollars for students and 8 dollars for non-students and can be purchased outside the Evelyn Young Dining Room and in the Diversity Center.