Eve Ensler didn’t start off trying to change the world. Still, with The Vagina Monologues and later V-Day, she developed the tools to do so on behalf of women everywhere.
‘We were worried about what we thought about vaginas, but even more what we didn’t think about them,’ Woman 1 and 2 say in the first scene.
Women don’t talk about their vaginas.’ They use euphemisms such as coochie, hoohah and even pejoratives.
The Vagina Monologues attempts to empower through use of the word ‘vagina,’ confronting the taboo about speaking frankly of genitalia.’
‘The word is very important. I moved to Houston three years ago. I grew up Catholic. ‘Girly parts’ was all I would say when talking about it,’ political science sophomore Blair Wallace said.
Wallace is directing UH’s production of the monologues Saturday night, although she only learned of it a few months ago.
‘My friend gave me a copy of the V-Day edition of the play last October,’ Wallace said.
‘ The Vagina Monologues spans the range of female behavior. Born from Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women, its words and scenarios are as diverse as her interviewees.
Upon reading the play and learning more about V-Day, Wallace was empowered to produce the play at the University.
‘We could totally do this,’ she said.’
V-Day, according to http://newsite.vday.org, is about preventing and educating the world about violence toward women both locally and abroad.’
‘ ‘All the proceeds are going to charity. 15 percent is going to support women in the Congo war,’ Wallace said. ‘The rest is going to a local charity, HAWC (Houston Area Women’s Center).’
College-age women are the most likely targets of sexual violence in the U.S.’ According to the Department of Justice, they are four times more likely to be raped or assaulted than at any other time in their lives.’
Educating them to the risks of violence and empowerment in speaking of past experiences is important.
‘Girls should be encouraged to talk, not be afraid,’ Wallace said.
Saturday’s event features presentations of The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant & Prayer with an art presentation during the intermission.’ The event starts at 8 p.m. at the Jose Quintero Lab Theatre. Tickets are $10 and $8 for students. There will also be a reception with refreshments.
