CENTERSPREAD: The Vagina Monologues

The Vagina Monologues is performed annually at Wilkes University. This year, the event partnered with the Sordoni Art Gallery’s Year of the Vote series to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

The award-winning play “The Vagina Monologues” was presented in the Henry Student Center Ballroom this past weekend and involved at least 18 Wilkes University students, faculty and staff involved in the production.

“The Vagina Monologues” was the latest event in the Sordoni Art Gallery’s “Year of the Vote” series, a year-long event celebrating and recognizing the 100-year anniversary of women receiving the right to vote.

“The Vagina Monologues” were compiled by playwright Eve Ensler in 1996. They are a series of interviews from over 200 women and each monologue deals with some aspect of the feminine experience.

Some of the topics discussed in the monologues include consensual and non-consensual sexual experiences, body image, genital mutilation, reproduction, vaginal care, menstruation, sex work and several other topics. All are told through the eyes of women from various ages, races, sexualities and other differences.

The play strives to promote awareness of any type of gender-based violence against women. The monologues aim to raise awareness on issues that are happening and are performed from a woman’s point of view and strive to allow the performers to spotlight the ending of various social issues such as harassment, rape, battery, incest, genital mutilation and sex slavery.

“I think it went really amazing this year. We had performers from all walks of campus life: undergrad students, grad students, faculty and staff,” said Olivia Caraballo, senior mid-level education major and event co-director. “We also partnered with different campus organizations who did presentations outside and inside the event which made it even more special. There was just so much collaboration this year.”

Admission was free for Wilkes University students (with ID), $5 for non-Wilkes students (with ID) and $10 for general admission.

All proceeds will be given to beneficiaries, including the Domestic Violence Resource Center, the Victims Resource Center and Planned Parenthood Keystone. These beneficiaries support the goal of the “Vagina Monologues” event by increasing awareness of sexual assault as well as providing services to help victims and their family members.

“I thought it was an excellent event and am glad to have finally attended. I feel there is a lot to take from the different stories presented. Some are obviously humorous and others hit on key issues that need more recognition,” said Timothy Brown, senior psychology major.

The production will return to campus next year. If students have any questions or are interested in getting involved, please contact faculty advisor Dr. Mia Briceño at [email protected].

Editor’s note: Kylie Dillon is the Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor for The Beacon