The Vagina Monologues Play Opens Tonight in Farinon Center Marlo Room

Over 30 students are involved in a production of The Vagina Monologues that will be performed 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, and Saturday in the Farinon Center Marlo Room. The event is being held in conjunction with “Take Back the Night,” a march and rally against domestic violence Sunday.

Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for others. They will be on sale in the Farinon Center atrium from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. this week. Proceeds will benefit August Survivors Center and Turning Point, two local charities that help victims of sexual and physical abuse, as well as Rawa Charity, which promotes equality for women in Afghanistan.

The production is sponsored by Association for Lafayette Women, Lafayette Activities Forum, the English department, QUestioning Established Sexual Taboos, and the Pi Beta Phi and Tri-Delt sororities.

Eve Ensler, a prominent feminist, wrote The Vagina Monologues after interviewing hundreds of women around the world and wishing to share their views and insights with the public. The play’s themes include body awareness, violence against women, and the treatment of women across different cultures.

“The subject matter is really important because it teaches girls not to be afraid to talk about their bodies and other issues not normally discussed,” says Jaclyn Sekula ’03 (Uniontown, Ohio), president of ALW.

The cast consists of 27 female students from different backgrounds and organizations, and the performance is also student produced and directed. Jennifer Carty ’04 (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) was very interested in directing The Vagina Monologues because she not only is a member of ALW and has a passion for women’s issues, but also has theatre experience. She held auditions before winter break and is happy with progress since then.

“Rehearsals are going very well and even I’m amazed by the cast’s talent and enthusiasm. I think the girls are really excited because this play deals with issues they can all relate to,” said Carty.

The “Take Back the Night” march begins 7:30 p.m. Sunday on the steps of the Farinon Center and will conclude at the Easton Circle around 9 p.m. All are welcome to march, collect pins and stickers, listen to the accompanying music, and speak out at the circle.

While proceeds from the sale of tickets for The Vagina Monologues will go to charity, memorabilia, including books and t-shirts, will be on sale after the performances to help cover production costs. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the Lifetime channel, Liz Claiborne, Marie Claire magazine, and Tampax are also providing sponsorship.

CAST
Jenny Roberts ’03
Simmone Chaddan ’04
Jackie Sekula ’03
Tessa Shambaugh ’04
Kira Stackhouse ’02
Sarah Stanlick ’04
Melissa Stevens ’02
Olivia Tusinski ’04
Nora Kennedy ’02
Vivienne Felix ’03
Elizabeth Youngkin ’03
Katherine Rewinkel ’03
Jen Oriola ’04
Caroline Eshman ’04
Anja McCartney ’05
Lauren Moses ’02
Brianne Prior ’02
Meghan Oakley ’04
Zakia Dilday ’02
Fayola Bostic ’05
Kenya Flash ’03
Julia Damiano ’02
Omoniyi Adekanmbi ’04
Alissa Johnston ’02
Rachel Korpanty ’04
Kamaka Martin ’04
Gul Guven (exchange student)

PRODUCTION STAFF
Director: Jennifer Carty ’04
Producers: Beth Rousseau ’01, Jaclyn Sekula ’03, Amanda Roth ’04
Tech Crew: Alyssa Spiro ’02, Katherine Rewinkel ’03