How is your vagina feeling today?
I have to admit I was a little shocked when confronted with this question at auditions for this year's Ball State production of "The Vagina Monologues."-á
As a woman who doesn't frequent in conversations with her vagina, I really had to stop and think: Does my vagina feel differently than the rest of me?-á
Do I embody my vagina? Is this a trick question? This question was followed by other bold, thought-provoking questions such as "What would your vagina say in three words or less?" and "What would your vagina wear?"
The answers some women chose to share with the rest of the group were equally shocking. Some responses to the "What would your vagina say?" question were humorous such as "Give me moooore!" Others, such as "Leave me alone" and "Never again," were a bit more sobering.
As a newcomer to this whole vagina-friendly climate, I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first. As the word "vagina" became less and less taboo, until it was being dropped as fast as jaws at the Superbowl half-time show, I began to really open myself to the whole experience.
I first became interested in being a part of the "Vagina Monologues" last year, after witnessing Ball State's very first production of Eve Ensler's internationally acclaimed, award-winning play. I remember feeling a whirlwind of emotions during the show. There was surprise (They're actually using the V-word on stage!), hysterical moments (such as a 30-minute string of orgasm impressions) and moments of intense pain and sadness.
A year ago I walked away from the production thinking, "Wow, what a great show." Being a part of the production this year has completely altered the meaning this show has for me. This production is not just a "show." These are real women's stories, based on real life experience that Eve Ensler collected in over 200 interviews.
This play is so many things to so many different people. It is a voice for oppressed women who have not been able to share their stories, a celebration of the female body and part of one of the most successful, non-violent movements in recent years. Possibly the most important message that the "Monologues" conveys is that women should not feel ashamed of their bodies.
As Katelin Ryan, one of the student co-directors of this year's "Vagina Monologues" said, "This show helps to acknowledge that vaginas do exist. It is a reconnection of sorts, making us aware that vulvas are a part of women and sacred, connected to the mind and not a shameful thing."
An employee of the Shanghai Drama Center in China, where a performance of the "Vagina Monologues" was banned last week, shares these same anti-shame sentiments and said, "It's about us women. It's not vulgar. It's our reproductive organ. It's about our physical freedom," according to USAToday.com.
Eve Ensler's play has been accused of being anti-male, but this is simply not the case. As a part of the world-wide V-day move toward non-violence against women, this topic involves everyone, no matter their sex.
Proceeds for Ball State's production of "The Vagina Monologues" will benefit the non-violent efforts of United Way and contribute to the more than $20 million raised by previous V-Day events. I invite you to come experience the "Vagina Monologues" for yourself on Feb. 24, 25 or 27 at the Student Center and listen to the women's stories that are aching to be told.
Write to Carla at caalderman@bsu.edu
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