Tennille Simmonds- writer 

What: The Vagina Monologues

When: Feb. 6, 7 pm

Where: Haar Theatre, CFAC

How Much: $10 at the SAM Centre, SA offices, and Tix on the Square

The Students’ Association will be presenting a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues this Friday. The play consists of 17 monologues, all performed by MacEwan students. 

Jaclyn Thomey, one of the directors, said she is very enthusiastic about the cast and crew. “I’m loving the passion they have for this show,” she said. The actors, dancers, musicians, and crew are all students. The musicians are from the Centre for the Arts campus and composed the music themselves.

Eve Ensler wrote the The Vagina Monologues in 1996, and it was instantly popular. The monologues have been performed by professional and amateur companies all over North America every year since. Each monologue relates to the vagina in some way. Ensler conducted over 200 interviews with women and then wrote corresponding monologues. The interviews included topics such as sex, masturbation, age, rape, mutilation, birth and relationships. 

Thomey encourages audience members to come with an open mind. “There are many different perspectives and attitudes portrayed – from inspirational to horrific.” 

Laurie Callsen, one of the actresses, plays a 72-year-old woman who has never had an orgasm. Callsen said people should not come to the show with preconceived notions. “It’s not a dirty sex show – it’s about showing appreciation for the female body. People need to see The Vagina Monologues because it’s such a rare experience.” 

Callsen said the play demonstrates how different women are connected through experiences with a single body part. “It’s very powerful, and very moving,” she said. 

Thomey said the difference between this production of The Vagina Monologues compared to those of the past is that this one is primarily run by and focused on students. There were no auditions involved either – students took the parts and the roles they wanted. This open-involvement approach is one that Thomey praised. “The thing I love about this campaign is that it’s very inclusive,” she said. “If you want to become part of it, you can.”  

The play is a fundraiser that corresponds with V-Day – a global movement to stop violence against women. Each year, the play focuses on eliminating violence in a specific culture. This year, the spotlight is on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ninety percent of proceeds go toward the Prostitution Action Awareness Foundation of Edmonton, and 10 percent go toward the Women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

There will also be a visual art display in the lobby that will feature student artwork.