Have you ever stopped to look at a vagina? Have you ever spoken to it? Have you ever put it in a sundress or a beret? These were some of the many questions that were proposed at Friday and Saturday night’s run of “The Vagina Monologues.”
“The Vagina Monologues” is a play featuring monologues from real women about their vaginas. Co-produced and directed by Emily Bergmann ’16 and Kate Gannon ’16, the show was written by playwright Eve Ensler. In the performance, there was a good mix of humorous and serious content about issues such as sex, rape, orgasms, and more. Some topics were more provocative than others and the audience was warned ahead of time.
“It was an inspiring and memorable experience that I am so proud to be a part of,” said Caitlin Hawkins ’14. “The Vagina Monologues discusses vaginas in a way one would talk about pizza.”
Cole Chapel was filled with captivated students. One highlight that generated roars from the audience was Karissa Vincent’s ’16 powerful monologue about her “angry” vagina.
“My friends and I were engaged throughout the entire show,” said Wilson Sadowski ’16. “After all, ‘The Vagina Monologues’ are about sex and well, sex is something interesting that everyone can relate to.”
The show was five dollars for the Wheaton community and eight dollars for general admission. All proceeds, which totaled to over $1900, were donated to New Hope of Attleboro and the V-Day Organization. These organizations provide aid and information for violence against women and raise awareness for social justice.
The show began with various names for one’s vagina depending on location. These included: “pussy, va jay jay, kitty cat, pe pe, poochi, mushmellow, mimi, schmende.” The list seemed endless.
Another skit included what many believed a vagina would say if it could talk. “Slooooooow down, ooooh right there,” “Remember me?” “Not yet!” “Enter at your own risk.”
The play also sensitively portrayed generational differences between younger and older women and their relationships with their vaginas. Another topic was pubic hair: to shave or not to shave? Should you partner get to dictate how you cut your own grass?
Although the monologues raise awareness about women, it often portrays men negatively. However, it does a wonderful job with the demographic represented. It combines seriousness and wit into a cohesive show. Although men are sometimes mentioned in the play, it is important to remember that it isn’t about men for a reason.
“Rather than passing judgments about men or trying to represent bad experiences with men, I feel as if the play includes them as parts of the story but doesn’t tell their story,” said Emma Silver ’14.
Students left “The Vagina Monologues” entertained and informed about a topic few people discuss unreservedly.