In recent years, raising awareness about violence against women has been a major topic of discussion. People have given speeches and put on workshops to get the message out there, but this upcoming weekend there will be an attention-grabbing and interactive way to receive the message about violence against women. A group of women will present different monologues about women’s experiences in “The Vagina Monologues.”

Seniors Barbara Guy and Katie LeBlanc are the directors of the show, and have been involved in The Vagina Monologues in previous years. They organized the performers, set up rehearsals and acquired performance spaces. Yet, they were quick to give credit to the whole cast—about 30-35 participants—for each helping out in different areas in order to make the production possible.

“Performances of The Vagina Monologues at Gustavus started about seven years ago,” said LeBlanc. Any woman can participate, but certain rules must be followed in order to perform the monologues.

The monologues are taken from a collection by Eve Ensler. The content of the monologues comes from her interviews with women around the world.

Some of the rules for performing are that the monologues must be read word for word and there is only a six-week period during which the monologues can be performed.

The Vagina Monologues has been translated into many languages and have been presented around the world.

Guy and LeBlanc both have had the experience of viewing the monologues in a different country and language. While studying in El Salvador, Guy saw Monologues performed in Spanish. “It was amazing to see it in another language and [to] experience it in a different setting,” said Guy.

LeBlanc listened to the production in Hindu while visiting India. “This encounter affirmed my desire to [perform] it on campus,” said LeBlanc.

Sadly, though, performances of the Monologues have been cut down in Minnesota. According to The Record college newspaper, The Vagina Monologues is no longer being allowed on any Catholic campus in Minnesota, including the College of St. Benedict, St. Thomas University and the College of St. Catherine.

The various monologues cover topics including domestic abuse, lesbianism and war. Entertaining or heartfelt, there is at least one piece that everyone can relate to. The performance reaches women of all ages, in addition to the men who come to view the performances. Though men cannot read the pieces, they can still be involved by being ushers or helping out with other aspects of the shows.

Come see one of the performances for laughter, a chance to relate to others and a chance to donate to the CADA House, a women’s shelter in Mankato.

The Vagina Monologues is set for 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22 in the Banquet Room and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 in Alumni Hall.

Cost is $5 for students and $8 for non-students.

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