It’s V-Day once again at Shepherd University as the 2014 production of the “Vagina Monologues” moved the audience with their powerful speeches.
The “Vagina Monologues” opened on March 1 at Reynolds Hall. Jeannie Moore directed the show and Nick Etheridge acted as the producer.
The “Vagina Monologues” allows women and men to speak out against violence towards women. According to the program given to the audience, “V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations,” which is a quote from www.vday.org.
From the start, the show lets the audience know that the women won’t be shy dropping the v-bombs, which really speaks to the frankness of the actors. If there is one word to describe them, it would be honest.
The show is organized by some women giving factual information and others giving monologues based on the information.
A definite highlight was the actors’ mixture of comedic and heart-wrenching monologues. Some humorous moments came from what vaginas would wear, with some women suggesting high heels, leather jackets, and berets.
Kat Adams delivered one of the most powerful performances of the night. Her monologue was based on interviews from women in Bosnia who were raped. The language was intriguing as it used soldier-related metaphors. Adams was so much into her monologue that it resulted in her breaking down, and someone had to help her back to her seat.
Ben Johnson, the only male in the cast, had a unique performance. His monologue was from the perspective of a transwoman. Growing up, he dressed in women’s clothing which caused him ridicule. He suppressed his feelings for numerous reasons until he had enough and had a sex change. His monologue ended with people killing his boyfriend because they were afraid of ambiguity and of being in love.
The last monologue was done very beautifully and involved the whole cast. It started with Lydia Johnson’s monologue about one billion rising for justice. The lighting was done extraordinarily well, putting the spotlight on the speaker then expanding it to feature the next speakers. By the end, the light encompassed the entire cast, showing that they will all stand for justice.
The last monologue electrified all of the audience in which every scream, yell, clap and foot stomping could be heard.
One of the excited audience members was Jordan Clark, a junior psychology major. Clark enjoyed the fact that the show “brings everyone together.” He also said that he never missed Shepherd’s production of the “Vagina Monologues. “I go every year,” said Clark.
What was most enlightening was the “Talk Back” after the actual show. This was where the cast and crew sat down and had a conversation with the audience in which they could ask questions about the show or share their stories.
Many of the audience members were appreciative to the cast for putting on this moving show.
The cast and crew also announced the “Vagina Monologues” raised nearly a $1,000. All proceeds went to the Shenandoah Women’s Center.
All in all, the “Vagina Monologues” was one of the most thought-provoking shows I have ever seen. Every actor was honest in their delivery of the monologue whether it was comedic or extremely heartfelt. The message of the show was equally as important as it advocated the safety of women from violence and domestic abuse.