A ‘Vagina Monologues’ Performance to Empower

By Taylor Landcaster

“Pussies unite!” was the battle cry of the cast of the 2016 Vagina Monologues this past week as they performed their annual rendition of “The Vagina Monologues”.

“Vagina” is often a word that sparks controversy, uncomfortable feelings and female empowerment. Throughout history, women have celebrated their bodies and even recently, the feminist power is prevalent on college campuses. One of the ways that females can become empowered at Georgia College is through the production of “The Vagina Monologues”.

“ T h e Va g i n a Monologues” is a group of monologues written by Eve Ensler. Ensler wrote this play in order to bring context to the feminine experience. These narratives cover topics such as love, sexual assault, maturbation, childbirth and orgasms. This play has become very popular at universities because of its call for reform and equality.

“We’re teaching, raising awareness, and giving women a voice,” Olivia Todd, junior mass communication major and “Vagina Monologues” veteran, said. “There’s a stigma that’s been created around vaginas, and we’re helping remove some of that. Even just saying the word vagina on stage is very empowering.”

Empowering women to be proud of themselves was the ultimate theme that the cast wanted to get across to the audience.

“It is vital to perform this play on college campuses because students are constantly yearning for an outlet of understanding,” Kiana Wheeler, junior special education major said. “With such a radical play, students need to see and understand what women go through. The performers did a good job of getting the empowering emotions across.”

According to rainn.org, 80 percent of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30, meaning that college students are prime targets for sexual assault crimes. This makes showing the importance of respecting and honoring women all the more important.

“I think it’s important to present “The Vagina Monologues” anywhere where there is a young group of people who are still learning, still being influenced by thing around them,” Boston Chandler, director of “The Vagina Monologues”, said. “It helps to decrease the stigma surrounding vaginas, especially in college communities where sexual assault is very rampant. “

Chandler thinks that being a part of this show has helped her learn more about the female gender.

“[The show] helps me appreciate myself and the women around me,” Chandler said. “And it teaches me how to be a better support system for them.”

Chandler is not the only one involved in the production that has learned a lot. Most cast members walk away with a new appreciation for women and their advocates.

“This show lets me know that there are people there that are going to stand behind me,” Kelley Quinn, junior English major and first time cast member, said. “If something happens, you shouldn’t have to be afraid that people aren’t going to believe you, or judge you.”

Quinn, as well as the rest of the cast, wants to encourage anyone that feels trapped or afraid to reach out without fear.

“You are not alone. You are worthy,” Natalie Sharp, veteran cast member said. “Whatever you need, whatever you want out of life, you deserve those things. And no one taking something from you, or violating your trust and your boundaries, in any way, makes you less deserving of that. You are beautiful and you deserve love.”