V-Day
performance embodies emotion
By Gina Ponce
On-line Forty-Niner
 A
mixture of laughter and tears filled the
University Theatre over the weekend with
the presentation of “The Vagina Monologues”
as a movement to stop violence against women
and girls.
The play consisted of two acts in which
the 15-member cast used monologues to tell
the stories and experiences of various women
that have been victims of rape, incest,
domestic abuse and genital mutilation. There
were also stories of good memories of sex
and self-discovery.
Audience members were provided with startling
facts about violence against women that
were written on cards and placed on each
seat before the show. Facts were also
mentioned throughout the performance, which
raised a sense of awareness showing the
reality of it all.
“Over half of rapes go unreported.” Emily
Duval, producer of “The Vagina Monologues”
said. “If you instill in a community that
this is something we should accept, have
pride in and acknowledge, the laws will
have to change and crimes will be reported
more.”
The word vagina was said more than 200 times
during the performance, which may have normally
caused some discomfort, but vaginas were
truly the heart and soul of this production
and the crowd enjoyed it.
“I came to the play because I’ve always
heard how real the stories are. The
play doesn’t try to hide any of the issues.”
senior psychology Carla Valdez major said.
“It’s very free and straightforward, and
I think that’s what people need sometimes.”
Duval said usually half of the audience
is male and thinks it’s great because they
do not want just a female audience.
“We want a people audience,” Duval said.
According to the V-Day Web site, Valentine’s
Day is proclaimed V-Day until the violence
stops.
“When
all women live in safety, no longer fearing
violence or the threat of violence, then
V-Day will be known as Victory Over Violence
Day,” the web site says.
For now, the V in V-Day stands for victory,
valentine and vagina.
The performance was heartfelt and full of
emotion. The cast united on stage
and wanted to share that same experience
with the audience.
The monologues given were full of comedy
and sadness. The crowd heard stories
of women being embarrassed of their own
vaginas, mothers teaching their little girls
to never touch their vaginas, a woman who
loved to help others find their moan and
the joy of childbirth.
“Every woman can relate to at least one
of the stories that was presented on that
stage,” Valdez said. “This is definitely
something I think anyone should see if they’re
given the opportunity.”
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