The Vagina Monologues

Slowly, it dawned on me that nothing was more important than stopping violence toward women -- that the desecration of women indicated the failure of human beings to honor and protect life and that this failing would, if we did not correct it, be the end of us all. -- Eve Ensler, introduction to "The Vagina Monologues." \nPlaywright Eve Ensler's words describing the purpose and catalyst of her controversial work, "The Vagina Monologues," are reflected in the play itself. Often humorous, at times heart-wrenching and always honest, Ensler's work brings to light the myths, taboos and misconceptions surrounding the source of life, womanhood and female sexuality, the vagina.\nWhat began as a one-woman show has become an international effort to end violence and oppression against women that has spread to IU. "The Vagina Monologues" will be performed by 13 women Feb. 15 and 18 as a part of the "V-Day" celebration.\nAccording to the event's Web site, www.vday.org, "V-Day is a global movement to end violence against girls and women. V-Day is a decision, an energy, a spirit, a day -- Valentine's Day -- for which annual theatrical and artistic events are produced in local, national and international venues to raise money and to transform consciousness."\nThis year, IU's V-Day celebration is headed by Debbie Herbenick, visiting research associate with the Kinsey Institute. Herbenick helped organize last year's IU performance of "The Vagina Monologues," and while she said she was pleased by the event, she said she hopes this year's celebration will be "bigger and better."\n"It's a super show," Herbenick said. "It's shocking, intriguing and some people find it embarrassing. But we want people to be comfortable using words like 'vagina' and 'vulva.'"\nWhile Ensler's piece strives to open dialogue about female sexuality and genitalia, Herbenick said one of the main purposes of the show is to discuss and prevent violence against women.\n"We want women to talk about their experiences, especially about violence," Herbenick said. "We want people to talk about solutions to this problem."\nBloomington resident Abby Katz, a performer in last year's production and director of this year's performance, said while the show covers profound topics, it is also humorous.\n"I think people will laugh," Katz said. "I think people are going to be turned on. It's enlightening and erotic."\nKatz said the show will include readings, performances and improvisations of the monologues, and will include some audience participation.\n"In the days before the show, we plan to have stands at the (Indiana Memorial) Union," she said. "Women can stop by and answer questions, and we'll read the answers during the show."\nBut while the show is focused on empowering and recognizing women, Katz said men are welcome to attend the show. She said while last year's audience was composed mostly of women, many men attended and enjoyed the production.\n"Men loved it. Some stood up and clapped," Katz said.\nKatz and Herbenick said they hope the performance, despite its often taboo topic, will spark conversation and education on campus.\n"Most people never talk about vaginas, which is sad," Katz said. "They used to be worshipped as the source of life."\nHerbenick said all proceeds from the show will go to the Middle Way House and will be distributed to other women's charities by the Office of Women's Affairs. She said she hopes V-Day becomes an annual IU event.\n"We plan to make it an IU tradition," she said. "We want to see it grow at IU."\n"The Vagina Monologues" will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Fine Arts Auditorium. Suggested donation is $5, and all proceeds go to Middle Way House and the Office of Women's Affairs.