SMC presents 'Vagina' play
By NELLIE WILLIAMS
Scene Writer
Eve Ensler wants you to see, hear and feel that women's bodies are sacred. She wants you to know that women's bodies are a part of their selves.
"The Vagina Monologues," performed tonight at Saint Mary's, is not to be taken lightly. The show, which is based on Ensler's Obie Award-winning show containing collective interviews with more than 200 women, includes compassion and brutality.
Sara Salazar, president of Feminist Collective and CARE (Campus Alliance for Rape Elimination) at Saint Mary's, first learned about the "Monologues" through the Internet. A college initiative has been sent out to campuses all around the world to get involved with "V-Day," the `V' standing for vagina, anti-violence and victory.
V-Day, designated to carry out "The Vagina Monologues," was started on Feb. 14, 1998, in New York, launched as a movement to embrace womanhood and end violence against women. Last year, V-Day was celebrated in London with actresses Melanie Griffith, Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchette performing. There are more than 150 colleges and universities performing "The Vagina Monologues" this year.
Salazar, who started planning this event in December, said it is a very worthwhile production.
"We want this to give more awareness to women," she said. "Some women feel really disconnected with their bodies."
Actresses in the production include several young women from Saint Mary's and Notre Dame, a professor and a sister.
Catherine Pittman, psychology professor at Saint Mary's and director of the "Monologues," is very pleased the College has been so supportive.
"Our college has been very supportive," she said. "It's part of the `Love Every Body' week."
Pittman feels it is very important for women to claim their bodies and talk about their experiences.
"Only when we can open ourselves in this way to taking hold of the language, and using it, transforming it, can we begin to ground ourselves in our own experiences. Otherwise we will simply be the object's to other's experiences," she said.
"I'm hoping it will capture people's attention," said Pittman. "We're trying to say, women's bodies are sacred and we want to celebrate them. We want people to use these words [vagina] — they're what are used. You have nothing until you use them."
Following the production, there will be breakout sessions, where people can discuss what they have heard and how they are feeling.
"We want [people] to see and feel more comfortable with their [bodies]," Pittman said.
Students in the production feel this is a great opportunity.
"There is mis-education given to women in society," said Megan Bodary. "We should feel comfortable talking about our bodies — they are ours."
Jaimie Newcomb is excited to see how people react to the monologues.
"I think there will be lots of strong mixed reactions," she said.
Pittman said these monologues have even helped the women acting them out.
"It has opened up dialogue between people. There are personal things that we've shared and talked about. I hope this spreads beyond us to other people."
All proceeds for the show will be given to the Sex Offense Services (SOS).
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 16, 2000
