By KATE PIERCE
News Editor
Rehearsals and preparation are underway for this year’s production of the Vagina Monologues, an episodic play in which each monologue deals with an aspect of feminine experience.
The annual production is a collaboration among English Club, Identity, and Purely Positive Women of Purpose. The performers are getting ready and rehearsing for the show which will be held at 3 p.m. on February 26th in Saint Joseph’s Hall Auditorium.
While many of the monologues will be presented by veteran performers, this is the first production that a few students like sophomore Lauren Pelletier are taking part in.
“This production is a way for me to help raise awareness on certain issues that women are constantly facing,” said Pelletier. “It’s a way for me to speak on the issues without being disregarded as just another ‘angry feminist.’”
The monologues touch on matters such as sex, love, rape, menstruation, female genital mutilation, masturbation, birth, the various common names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.
“This production is extremely important due to how common the events our monologues cover happen,” said Pelletier. “Also a portion of the proceeds are going to support Planned Parenthood so it is all for a good cause.”
All proceeds raised from these events and ticket prices at the door of $3 with a Saint Rose ID card and $5 without is being given to the Mohawk Hudson Planned Parenthood. This branch of the national organization serves more than 20,000 women and men each year at health centers throughout the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley. The services they provide include annual exams, birth control, cancer screening, abortion care, HIV testing, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Representatives from the local Planned Parenthood will be tabling at the performance to answer questions and raise awareness.
Every year a new monologue is added to the collection to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. This year the theme revolves around violence in the workplace and is concentrated in the the new monologue titled“I Call You Body.”
“It covers all dangers and difficulties women face from verbal to sexual assault, pay deducts for using the restroom, to even being punished for pregnancy,” said Pelletier. “[It] is extremely relevant to the political events that are ongoing.”
Performers from Saint Rose were invited to write their own monologues to read at the show, so long as they related to the theme of violence or harassment in the workplace.
“This year we’re hoping to have more events leading up,” said Christina Romeo, president of the English Club. Some ideas in the works are a carnival to raise money with events like cookie decorating and “bra pong.”
“I would encourage people to attend because there is a monologue for everyone,” said Pelletier. “Anyone can relate or at least feel deeply for the words being spoken.”
