For the past 12 years, KU has replicated the globally renowned performance, “The Vagina Monologues.” The show consists of different stories based on author Eve Ensler’s ‘Vagina Interviews.’ Ensler’s work combines personal accounts from over 200 women worldwide, and the stories trigger all sorts of emotions.
“It’s an entertaining night full of women’s stories that give you a unique and much needed view into what issues women face internationally,” said KU event coordinator, Chris Ford.
“The “V” in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina,” states VDay.org. Globally, V-Day has raised over $90 million to help end violence against women and girls. V-Day generates attention for issues such as rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sex slavery.
“These are global issues, therefore they are important to talk about between all races, ages, genders, sexualities, and all other identities,” said Ford.
According to VDay.org, in 2012 alone, over 5,800 V-day benefit events took place around the world—one of them being here at KU.
Last year’s student-run “Vagina Monologues” performance at KU raised $6,000 for local anti-violence agencies such as Berks Women in Crisis and Planned Parenthood of Northeastern PA. This year, the cast and crew are excited to make it even better.
“Somebody last year asked me what’s it about—is it just girls talking about their periods? There’s not even one monologue about periods!” said Shannon Magee, a cast member in the past three performances. “It’s about women, it’s not just about their vaginas; it’s about them and their experiences through life.”
The “Vagina Monologues” are presented by FMLA and the Women’s Center. Performances will be held in the Student Union Building Multipurpose Room 218 on Thursday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Previous years’ shows have been known to sell out early. Tickets are currently available at the SUB information desk, five dollars for students and ten dollars for others.
Each year new eye-opening stories are added to the script and new cast members make it a brand new experience.
“Every cast is different and yet you can see them grow and mature within that period of time that they’re preparing because they are identifying and experiencing what those women experienced,” commented Director Grace Hill. “It’s a growth experience for the cast in a very private way, but in a public venue.”
“The Vagina Monologues” has been empowering women worldwide for 15 years while striving to end violence and provide resources for victims. If you find yourself without a valentine this “V-day,” don’t worry about it. At least you have your vagina- and that’s a powerful thing.

By Mark Pickett