"The Vagina Monologues" Celebrate Femininity

By Summer Meza

Audience members laughed, cheered and wiped tears from their eyes as each monologue was performed. For a theater show about vaginas, "The Vagina Monologues" was surprisingly resonant between female and male audience members alike.

A whirlwind of honest humor, social analysis and a heavy dose of girl power - "The Vagina Monologues" were performed this past weekend, aiming to empower and celebrate women.

This controversial show originated with Eve Ensler's production based off her popular novel. The play has since moved to college campuses across the nation, providing insight on the struggles and joys of being a woman. Santa Clara's rendition, put on by the Women's and Gender Studies Department, has made a comeback since its cancellation in 2007.

The show features a group of actresses, many of whom are women's studies majors, and each actress is spotlighted in one of the 20 monologues. Each monologue is distinct from the rest, discussing issues like confidence in one's sexuality, menstruation, rape, giving birth, orgasms and daily thoughts that concern women everywhere.

Despite popularity amongst its student audience, "The Vagina Monologues" came under fire for content that allegedly went against Santa Clara's Jesuit values. The show was discontinued after protests and only allowed back on campus after extensive discussion with Santa Clara President Michael Engh, S.J.

Since then, "The Vagina Monologues" have been more popular than ever. Proceeds from ticket sales go towards local women's shelters, bringing a secondary element of female support and empowerment.

"It was really rewarding to be in this show," said actress Anne McDonald. "It's so empowering to know you're making an impact on the people who came."

It has made an impact indeed. The show has been regarded as both extremely inspirational andcontroversial due to its willingness to speak openly and frankly about female sexuality. The topics range from being humorous, touching, heart-wrenching and anger-inducing.

Many of the actresses have been involved with "The Vagina Monologues" for several years during their time at Santa Clara. Student co-director Elán Amaral has had some ongoing goals throughout her involvement with the show.

"I really wanted to try to get more men, who wouldn't usually see something like this, to show up this year," she said. "It's the people who aren't here who are the ones that really need to see it."

This demonstrates the incredible importance of the message of "The Vagina Monologues." Modern-day feminism seeks to give women the power to be comfortable with their sexuality. Meanwhile, issues of rape, slut-shaming and growing up in a society that discourages comfort with "down there" are prevalent every day.

"The Vagina Monologues" promote an important message, combine entertainment with social justice and ultimately serve to empower both the actresses and the audience.

Contact Summer Meza at sameza@scu.edu or call (408) 552-4852.