February 5, 2009 Issue
The Vagina Monologues at ASU February 11 to 13
“My Vagina Was My Village.” “My Angry Vagina.” “The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could.” These are just a few of the monologues that have entertained, amused and troubled audiences in more than 10 years of performances of The Vagina Monologues.
The play, written by Eve Ensler in 1996, is based on interviews she conducted with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships, the vagina and violence against women. Since 1998, thousands of performances of the play have taken place as part of Ensler’s international V-Day campaign to raise awareness and money for local and international organizations working to end violence against women and girls. According to the United Nations, one of every three women in the world today will personally experience physical or sexual violence.
Students at Appalachian State University will present The Vagina Monologues Wednesday through Friday, February 11 to 13, at 8:00 p.m. each night at the Blue Ridge Ballroom, located on the second floor of the Plemmons Student Union on campus.
After seeing the play her freshman and sophomore years and participating last year, senior ASU student Ashley Hunsuck is directing the 2009 production. Hunsuck is a pre-med science major who wants to become an OB/GYN.
“I got involved last year and just fell in love,” Hunsuck said.
In 2008, volunteers in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries produced more than 4,000 V-Day benefit events. Once a year, in February, March and April, Ensler allows groups around the world to produce a performance of the play, as well as other works created by V-Day, and use the proceeds for local projects and programs that work to end violence against women and girls—often shelters and rape crisis centers. Appalachian State University students have been producing The Vagina Monologues annually for about eight or nine years, Hunsuck said.
Each year, The Vagina Monologues features a new monologue. This year’s piece is titled “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy” and addresses transgender issues.
Ten percent of all V-Day benefit proceeds are donated to V-Day’s annual Spotlight Campaign. Each year, V-Day designates an area of need to be the Spotlight Campaign and this year highlights the atrocities being committed against the women and girls of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Locally, 60 percent of the ASU production proceeds will go to OASIS, a Boone-based women’s shelter, service and referral organization. Thirty percent will go to women’s shelters in Avery and Ashe counties.
Tickets are $10 in advance at the student union information desk and Farthing Auditorium ticket office and $12 at the door. Cash or check only will be accepted. Seating is first-come, first-serve. A merchandise table will include V-Day T-shirts and buttons and chocolate vaginas. For more information, call 704-807-2932.
Want To Go?
Date: Wednesday through Friday, February 11 to 13
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Plemmons Student Union Blue Ridge Ballroom, ASU
Cost: $10 advance/$12 door
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
