The Vagina Monologues were performed at West Chester University on February 8, 9 and 11. The show was coordinated by Jeanne Heinemann, but it was students who directed and acted in the production. In talking to one of the show’s directors, Margot R. Pollock, it became clear that this performance was a positive experience for everyone. “We got good cooperation, dedication and willingness to work around schedules from everyone that was involved.” She stated that almost everyone had their monologue memorized by the time rehearsals even started. There were three directors; Kate Nelson, Margot Pollock and Dallas Young. Each took a group of about three or four individuals and worked with them separately. Practices were usually two times a week for about two and a half hours. Then they practiced as a whole group on three or four instances, which lasted up to five hours. Although, it was hard work, they all came at it in a positive attitude.
The directors were a little concerned about a few things though. One was on how they were going to manage putting on the show in the very small space they had reserved in Sykes Theater for the Saturday performance. However, they did indeed adapt, and The Monologues went very smoothly and was enjoyable to watch. Another concern at the beginning was the fact that not many of the actresses were theater majors and had little experience on being on stage. Again, they all did a very nice job.
The Vagina Monologues is based on Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. It celebrates the strength and sexuality of women and puts light to the sufferings of women all over the world. The production is very humorous, but also deals with serious matters, such as rape and sexual mutilation. The motivation behind The Vagina Monologues is to gain the public’s awareness of the violence of women and draw attention to the fight to stop this violence. The idea is in the belief that women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities.
Each ticket for entry into The Vagina Monologues cost five dollars, and all proceeds go to local agencies that are trying to stop the violence against women, such as the Chester County Domestic Violence Center.
Every actress in this show did fantastic job with her individual and group monologues. It was extremely enjoyable to watch and the hard work definitely paid off for this group.