By: Holly McCoach/Staff Writer
esra.erdogan@fiusm.com
The Department of Theatre is not the only department that puts on a display of plays. The Women’s Studies Student Association at the University is hosting their annual show this month, “The Vagina Monologues,” as they have been for more than five years.
With a title like that, one would think that it is an event that is intended for women only. Yes, and no. Female students from any department of the University perform the intimate experiences and feelings they have had with their vaginas.
These experiences can include rape, sex, birth, or simply how they each feel of their “down there.”
Despite this, audiences of men and women are encouraged by WSSA to save the date and attend between Feb. 23 and 25 in the School of International and Public Affairs Room 125 at 8 p.m.
It all began with writer and activist Eve Ensler, who wrote “The Vagina Monologues” after traveling the globe, interviewing women on their vaginal experiences. V-Day became the result, a campaign between February and April which calls attention to this taboo subject that has to do with women’s sexual organs.
One of the women in charge of this project is recent graduate Lupe Juarez, who graduated with a women’s studies degree in December. During the V-Day season, WSSA becomes busier than ever.
“Within that time frame, colleges and universities have to host their event. Each year, we have decided to host ‘The Vagina Monologues.’ It has been very impacting,” said Juarez.
Roughly each year, the campaign focuses on women of a particular region.
The women of Haiti have been the focus both this year and last year. City of Joy, a shelter in Haiti that was funded by V-Day for women who were victims of violence, educates and gives therapy to these women so that they can venture out into their community to help other women. During “The Vagina Monologues” at the University, WSSA gives a spotlight monologue where women talk about women in that particular region. WSSA also has donated to other groups and organizations, including the victims of the Rios family.
The girls of the Rios family, who are in their late teens and are residents of Miami Gardens, are victims of fatherly abuse. WSSA first heard about the family through prosecutor Josie Ashton, who is the founder of College Brides Walk.
Although the girls have received treatment, their home environment still existed, as well as the memories that were created there. As a result, the girls slept elsewhere many nights and dropped out of school.
“We learned about the Rios family, and we decided parts of the proceeds would go to them,” said Juarez. “What we decided to do was to go into their rooms and completely redecorate [them].”
The plan worked. The girls warmed up to their home, and began attending school again.
As for “The Vagina Monologues,” anyone is free to join, but devotion is a must. With auditions beginning in October, rehearsals run from then until the day of the actual show. Although everyone is free to participate, women are the only ones allowed to act.
“We love to have men involved. They can help us with the set, they can help us at the door selling tickets, and they can help with reception areas,” said Juarez.
Attending “The Vagina Monologues” is not free, but money received is donated to organizations that assist women who are victims of rape, abuse, prostitution and even human trafficking. Students with IDs pay $10; however, presale tickets can be bought from DM 212 for $8. University faculty and staff tickets are $15.
“It’s not free to come into the event because, with the help of students and everyone that attends, we are able to impact [women],” she said.
With the amount of purpose and intrigue behind “The Vagina Monologues,” WSSA can provide audiences with the art of theater, with undertones of social and political impact.
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