“Chapter 1… My first period”. You may have heard this line in an old episode of friends, where Chandler is horrified to find himself in the audience of the Vagina Monologues. He tries to leave, but the performer calls him out, forcing him to listen to the entire womanly rant. This episode was the first time I had heard of the Vagina Monologues and, to be honest, I had not given them much thought until I saw an advertisement for the production my first year of college… and was asked to purchase a chocolate vagina. I laughed it off, remembering that scene from friends, and was sure that this was not a show for me. Of course I am a huge advocate for gender equality, but I would not by any means describe myself as a hard core feminist. Little did my freshman self know that the Vagina Monologues is not a parade of man-bashing women sharing detailed stories of their most secret of places, but something entirely different indeed.
Like I said, it never occurred to me to attend the Vagina Monologues, at least not until a good girlfriend of mine asked me to go with her and, out of curiosity, I accepted. When we arrived the first thing I noticed was that the rows were packed, and not just with women, but with men as well. Now, what in the world could a man get out of a show called the Vagina Monologues? Nevertheless, there was excitement that I could not understand buzzing in every corner of the room and I was about to be let in on the secret.
The lights dimmed and the spotlight focused on the woman on stage. I had prepared myself for a Chandler-like scene, however, what the woman did was introduce what was called the Spotlight Campaign. Every year, the Vagina Monologues pick a woman-related cause to whom they will donate the proceeds from the sale of chocolate vaginas and t-shirts. This year, the women of Haiti were selected to receive the benefits. As I learned, the women of Haiti live every day with the fear of being raped and 75% of these women have already suffered through such a violation, and often as a form of currency. In the very first monologue I was able to see the this production was more than just that man-bashing rant I had assumed it was before, it had a purpose to serve humanity, and thus the show had already peaked my interest.
As the show progressed, I was pleased to discover that the show never ceased to have a purpose, but that purpose was not to promote awareness towards the tragedy talking place in Haiti, but to promote the awareness of a being a woman in general. The Vagina Monologues consist of a series of interviews that asked women from all areas of life, whether they were six or sixty, questions about their lady area, such as what would their vagina say if it could talk or wear if it could get dressed. According to the six year old, for example, her vagina would wear red high tops and say words that started with the letter “V“. These interviews were made into skits, the monologues, that included the answers to certain questions and some real life stories that were shared by real women during these interviews. Some women talking about issues like shaving, appearance, and the torture of monthly visits and yearly exams. Others bought up issues of rape and sexuality. All of the skits referenced self- discovery, self- respect and, most importantly, being proud to just be yourself, a woman.
Before I had seen the show, I imagined it to be a simple, lighthearted performance. However, while most of the skits were preformed with a humorous edge, they were definitely full of heart. I found myself laughing quite a bit during the show, sometimes out of surprise, sometimes out of awkwardness. But what I enjoyed most about this experience was that the monologues were performed by students I recognized from campus, real students who were standing up for something that they believe in, regardless of the awkward nature of their project, which honestly didn’t seem to bother them at all.
Before attending the Vagina Monologues one must be warned- this show is not for the easily embarrassed or offended. If you can just let yourself be apart of the atmosphere, forget that this is a topic you don’t even really want to talk about with your doctor, and remember that you are surrounded by women who all are in similar positions you cannot have a bad time at the Vagina Monologues and I definitely recommend you give this show a chance.
I do not, however, recommend going alone. The Vagina Monologues is a show for girlfriends, sisters, mothers and daughters, so find the ladies you love most and prepare yourself for a unique girls night out. Or, if you feel comfortable, you can even bring your boyfriend along. Before I had questioned what a guy could get out of this presentation, or even why they would go (unless they were dragged along by their lady). But guys, if they can get past the awkwardness that Chandler must have felt, can, in fact, learn from this show as well. They can learn to respect the women in their lives for who and how they really are. The hardest part will probably just be getting them there.
The Vagina Monologues are not what I expected. When I expected ranting and hating on men, I witnessed humor and heart touching stories that my friend and I still laugh over. I also was made aware of the poor treatment of women in other countries, from rape to genital mutilation, that I had not heard of before. I think it is safe to say that they accomplished their mission, at least from my point of view. But, as the majority of the topics are not entirely appropriate to write about, you will have to attend a show for yourself to understand the unique awkward charm that this production can provide.
Did you miss The Vagina Monologues at Iowa State but still want to see a performance? Click here to search for V-Day events in your area. The monologues are being performed this weekend at Wartburg and Drake! In March they’ll be at Simpson. And in April you can catch them at UNI. Grab your friends and plan a V-Day roadtrip!