The University of Wyoming hosted the Vagina Monologues this past week once again.
The play, written by Eve Ensler, debuted in New York City on Valentine’s Day in 1998. The script includes 14 true accounts of rape, abuse and women’s views on sexuality gathered by Ensler in dozens of interviews. The movement is centered around the fight against violence and rape towards women—especially those in shelters or rape crisis centers.
Megan Selheim, STOP Violence Program Coordinator, said that in general women do not own their sexuality.
“Women’s ownership over their sexuality is crucial in efforts to prevent sexual violence, because so many women who experience violence experience it as coercion or manipulation, and then are ashamed into not seeking help,” Selheim said.
According to www.vday.org, over the course of 15 years, tens of thousands of productions of the Vagina Monologues have been performed and raised over $100 million.
The site also states that, “College and community activists raise an annual average of over $4 million that stays in their communities, donated to local groups such as domestic violence shelters and rape crises centers.”
Selheim said 130 people attended the performance over the course of three showings. The production raised $1,134.75 for SAFE Project.
“The Vagina Monologues is a great show, because it speaks out against a culture that doesn’t like to talk openly about sex or sexuality, especially women’s sexuality,” Selheim continued.
Meredith Wells, sophomore at University of Wyoming, who was a participant in the show, said that she likes to take on things that challenge her and help her grow. She said that even though talking about vaginas so openly in front of an audience seemed unsettling, she was very glad she did it.
“The Vagina Monologues were amazing to be a part of because of how powerful the source material was,” said Wells. “I felt like I grew into a more empowered woman through doing this show.”
Wells said after this experience, she would be eager to participate in future Vagina Monologues shows.
“There is so much material to explore,” Wells said. “I’d love to be in the show again and do a different monologue.”
