Westfield State students rehearse for their performance of “The Vagina Monologues.” (photo courtesy WSU )
WESTFIELD- Westfield State University students and faculty will perform “The Vagina Monologues” on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m. with an additional 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday. The performances will be held on Dever Stage in Parenzo Hall.
“The Vagina Monologues” is an episodic play made up of varying numbers of monologues read by women. The monologues cover a range of topics including women’s sexuality, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender experience, domestic and systematic abuse against women, and women’s health, as well as how women are viewed and interacted with on a societal level.
The performances are scheduled annually around V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls, held on February 14. Twelve students and one faculty member are participating in this year’s performances which are directed by Samantha Geissler ’17 of Enfield, Conn. and Jessica McRobbie ’18 of West Springfield, Mass.
Annual performances vary based on a different spotlight monologue each year. The 2017 spotlight monologue is titled “I Call You Body,” addressing the state of women’s bodies across the world.
“This monologue is particularly important because it highlights the joys and plights of being a woman,” said McRobbie. “Our bodies differentiate us from one another and at the same time, they bring us together.”
Geissler said that the play is particularly relevant this year.
“The show is life-changing,” Geissler said. “It raises awareness about topics that individuals are reluctant to discuss, while promoting social justice.”
McRobbie said the play’s messages are important to men and women alike.
“Women’s issues don’t only involve women,” said McRobbie. “We hope people of all backgrounds can learn from, and be inspired and motivated by these performances.”
Tickets are $3 for students and senior citizens and $5 for general admission. Proceeds from the performances benefit the V-Day organization and the Westfield YWCA New Beginnings Women’s Shelter. Audience members also have the option of bringing a new box of tampons or sanitary napkins to donate to the shelter in lieu of paying the ticket prices.
