Where Were you on V-Day?

The torch has been passed, so I'm picking it up and posting about my reaction to the Vagina Monologues. I saw the March 7th show (there was one the following night as well). I have to say that it was great seeing the talents of fellow classmates. The sensitivity, humor, candor and realness of the performances was amazing.

Not having seen the monologues before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, yet I was curious as to what would unfold. I'm really glad that I went. Of course, a show called the Vagina Monologues, is going to be told from a female perspective, but rather than alienating males, such as myself, it invites us to really hear the voices of the women embodied in the monologues. One of the most striking aspects of the performances is the realization that each of these women is as the different as the names for the vaginas that are revealed to the audience. I was happy to see the diversity of the women reflected not only in the experiences related in their monologues, but also in the cast. It reinforced the theme that these monologues are not just one woman's story or one social or racial group's but it is everywoman's story, which is to say it is a human story.

Did you go to V-Day? What did you think?

Vagina Monologues!

This year's V-day Campaign is spotlighting the women of New Orleans. V-day and the Vagina Monologues are celebrating their 10th anniversary in New Orleans this year. For us at U of I SHN, this all is fortuitous timing.

Miranda, next year's SHN president and a former theatre teacher, decided she wanted to be the local organizer of V-day and the Vagina Monologues. She put together a FABULOUS, all-law student cast, and I am honored to get to read the spotlight monologue about New Orleans, entitled "The Wetlands". At first I was reluctant to say "vagina" outloud, but then again...that's what The Vagina Monologues is all about. Why should we be ashamed to say it?

My monologue declares that New Orleans is the vagina of America, and goes into a list of ways that we want and use her (NOLA) when we want, but then mistreat her when we're sick of her. Its so true. My hope is that one day NOLA, women, and all others that have been "used" by society will be seen for what they/we are -- unique, nuanced, special, and worthy of our respect.

If you're in Champaign-Urbana, come see the show March 7 & 8 at 8pm, at the IMC in Urbana!