The Vagina Monologues

Presented by the Women's Center this spring semester, The Vagina Monologues, an episodic play written by Eve Ensler. This play is composed of numerous monologues that are read by numerous women. These monologues incorporate an aspect of the feminine experience, while touching on matters such as sex, love, rape, menstruation, female genital mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, and the vagina’s many names. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. 

Eve Ensler wrote the first draft of the monologues in 1996 based on interviews she conducted with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women. The interviews began as casual conversations with those she identified as friends, who then brought up anecdotes they themselves had been told by other friends; this began a continuing chain of referral stories, which resulted in the creation of the monologues.

In an interview with women.com, Ensler said that her fascination with vagina's began because of "growing up in a violent society, she further stated, "Women's empowerment is deeply connected to their sexuality. I'm obsessed with the reality of women being violated and raped, and with the action of incest. All of these things are deeply connected to our vagina's." In 1998, a non-profit charity, "V-Day", was incorporated with the intent of using performances of The Vagina Monologues to raise money to benefit female victims of violence and sexual abuse. Since its inception, the movement has expanded its use of art and activism. It has also influenced the One billion rising movement, a campaign by women for women. This is a global movement to put an end to violence and bring about gender equality. 

Incorporated in Women's HERstory Month, the viewing of the monologues will be on campus this March on Monday, March 4th, 9 pm- 11 pm in H Wing Auditorium. Followed by additional performances Tuesday, March 5th, 8 pm-10 pm in Sharp Theater and Thursday, March 7th, 8 pm- 10 pm in Sharp Theater. Be sure to come out and support a play performed by fellow Ramapo affiliates including myself.

To watch previews of the monologues click here: