The Vagina Monologues

I have a feeling that this presentation of the collection of stories known as “The Vagina Monologues” would have made Eve Ensler very proud. It was raw, heartfelt, understated and extremely effective.

I went along and took my seat in an ordinary lecture theatre at Cutin University tonight knowing nothing of the script, and only a little of the themes. However, I knew there had been many and celebrated productions of the show. Tonight, the collection of women (all “just volunteers” not actors, I was assured) created a genuine atmosphere of sharing, empathy and hope.

V-Day is a global movement to raise awareness and funds to facilitate the ending of violence against women and girls the world over. The Vagina Monologues was the impetus for the now annual event, and remains an integral aspect of the movement. The $10 entry fee goes to support the targeted group for 2009 which is women in the Congo region of Africa, as well as a local cause, a refuge in Fitzroy Crossing.

Tonight, the series of monologues were delivered in the style of a rehearsed reading. Despite one of the participant’s claim to me that they were not actors, the passionate and vibrant delivery would suggest otherwise. This script is so incredibly well written that it is absolutely riveting. The women recounted everything from painful shocks and hateful crimes to joyful discoveries and wondrous exploration with delicate expression, emphatic conveyance and contagious energy.

This impeccably constructed group of monologues doesn’t just celebrate women. One of the most uplifting stories was “Because he liked to look at it”, and tells how a women’s appalling self image was resurrected when she was able to finally see herself through the eyes of a gentle and loving man.

There are words in the show some people don’t normally like to hear and there are graphic accounts of violent acts that may have you shifting uncomfortably in your seat. You’ll hear endearing quotes from the mouths of babes and there are hilarious stories that would be considered inappropriate in “polite” company but will have you in stitches regardless. There are heartbreaking moments, chronicles of real terror and pain delivered with simplicity and stillness. One such moment was when Clare Reagan performed “The Crooked Braid”. It was a pivotal story of violence, despair and yet joy in small victories. She told it, from memory, with a sense of dignity and strength. Silent tears escaped many an eye and as the salty droplet ran down my own cheek, I felt how truly special my gender is and how bonded I felt to it. True to design, The Vagina Monologues instilled in me a sense of connection and empathy for women everywhere.

My (male) friend and I each gained something from the evening with the content and presentation style providing much fodder for discussion. I am thoroughly moved and inspired by the experience. The group will be performing again on Friday night at UWA.

UWA
Friday April 24
Social sciences Lecture Theatre
Doors open at 7:30pm
Tickets $10