The Vagina Monologues are back! The student-run production is being presented in accordance with V-Day, a college initiative to celebrate women and end sexual violence. The presentation is sponsored by the USM Women’s Resource Center and 10 percent of the proceeds will go to RAWA (Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afganistan), the rest towards Family Crisis Services, and Sexual Assault Response Services.
The annual play is a collection of women’s stories put together by author and founder Eve Ensler. The monologues are of women varying in age, race, and sexuality, coming together to tell their personal stories of love, sex, abuse, and power.
The USM production is run through the Women’s Resource Center and is headed up by four women: Julie Jenkins, a junior nursing major; Jen Cote a senior sociology major; Beth O’Malley a graduate student; and Shanna Underwood, a recent graduate of anthropology.
“The show gets better every year,” said Jenkins. “This year’s show has evolved into a huge performance.”
Along with a new set including velvet furniture, the presentation includes two new monologues and two original songs by cast members.
“Under the Burqa” tells the story of one woman’s veiled existence. While “My Short Skirt” shows a woman’s power and control over her own sexuality. Jenkins appears on stage wearing a miniskirt exclaiming it is her right to dress the way that makes her feel comfortable and powerful.
The monologue describes a woman’s ability to dress in any way she chooses and dressing for her and not a man.
Underwood penned one of the songs written especially for the show.
“It’s a political statement. I sing about issues the play doesn’t address, that are not sexual in nature but issues (women) have to deal with,” said Underwood. The song speaks of refugee status, Matthew Shepard, and access to healthcare.
Cote said the Vagina Monologues are not just for women.
“We are battling sexual violence. It’s a call for men to take responsibility and not push it aside as a women’s issue,” Cote said.
Sexual Assault Response, GLTBQA, Planned Parenthood, and the Alliance for Sexuality and Gender Diversity all will be handing out information and members will be available for discussion.
The Feb. 14 performance will be at 7:30 p.m. in Room 10 of Bailey Hall on the Gorham Campus, and the Feb. 16 shows will be at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. in Luther Bonney Auditorium in Portland. Tickets are now available at the information desk in the Woodbury Campus Center. Cost is a $10 donation for adults and $5 donation for students and seniors. While space is limited no one will be turned away because of financial matters. Call 780-4996 for more information.
Contributing Writer Nicolette Harding can be contacted at: [email protected]