Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: Headlines

Forget the dirty connotations commonly associated with the "F" word (feminism), and go for your mother, go for your sister, go for your wife, go for your girlfriend and go because you care. Considered by some to be a bible for new generations of women, "The Vagina Monologues" has been performed in cities across the United States and at hundreds of college campuses. In 2004, Western was added to the list of college campuses, and once again on March 17 and 18, several women will revive them at Western. A celebration of female sexuality, "The Vagina Monologues" is a 200-plus collection of stories from women regarding experiences they have had with their vaginas, collected and written by Eve Ensler. The purpose of the production is to empower women and to end the violence against women and young girls. Proceeds from performances support V-Day campaigns, which help raise money and awareness to help stop the violence against women. "It stands for 'vagina;' it stands for 'victory;' it stands for so much," said Director Tammy McCammon, in explaining the importance of the "V" in V-Day. So far, V-Day events have raised $35 million worldwide. Proceeds from Western's production will benefit Abby's House Center for Women and Families, which provides resource and referral information and educational programming for women and their families. Twelve Western women will serve as the voices for the readings of "The Vagina Monologues." Readings will include stories about women's deepest fantasies, fears, intimacy, vulnerability, child bearing, sex and sexual self-discovery. "The Vagina Monologues" guarantees that "no one who reads or hears them will ever look at a women's body or think of sex in quite the same way again." The production consists of previously unrehearsed readings, as the Monologues were meant to be read and not performed. All performers are students at Western except for Madison McCammon-Tammy McCommon's daughter- who will be telling the story of what happened to a young girl. Casting was type-based, and the women were urged to pick the stories they felt most connected to. The women participating in the event were all brought to the casting for different reasons. "I guess I was just curious. It is a very feminist celebration of what we are. Guys can talk about the penis all they want, why can't women talk about the vagina," said Sarie Schoen. "It's a bigger statement about women. Embracing your vagina is about accepting yourself and loving yourself unconditionally. And it looked like a hell of a lot of fun," added Darci Adsit, "You can't love a woman and be afraid of her vagina." Coordinators of the event want to stress that The Vagina Monologues is about the experiences of women and their vaginas and is not a sex workshop or a political forum. "It's not about issues. It is about the story of women and their experiences. Each monologue holds a piece of someone," said McCammon. McCammon also stresses that although the program is focused on the stories of women, men are urged to attend as well. "It is not a man-bashing party. It's about stopping violent crimes against women world wide," said McCannon. "Men should come to support their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, girlfriends and friends. By just showing up they are showing that they are trying to understand their lives," commented Adsit. Production coordinators are hoping for a strong turn-out for the event, and although "The Vagina Monologues" does include adult content, the production coordinators have chose to leave discretion up to parents. Readings will begin at 7 p.m. in the Pacific Room; tickets can be purchased for $7 general and $5 students. For more information about the event contact Jeanne Deane at 503-383-8288.

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