Hobart and William Smith Colleges

5 February 2008 The Vagina Monologues

Students and faculty will be featured in The Women's Collective's production of Obie Award-winning The Vagina Monologues, which will be presented at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 and again at 7 p.m. Saturday the 16th in the librarys Geneva Room.

An original production by Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues is a gathering of female voices, of collective experiences, whirlwind emotions, and newly voiced desires. Ensler shatters traditional taboos by speaking about such topics as menstruation, sexual violence, and female empowerment. In a world where violence against women is prevalent, Enslers work ultimately celebrates the female body and reclaims authority, beauty, and respect for women all over the world.

The Vagina Monologues is an essential component of the V-Day Movement, which is a global effort to end violence against women and girls. The V-Day Movement has increased awareness on violence and has generated over $50 million through benefit productions of the play. This Valentines Day will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first V-Day benefit.

Tickets for the play are $3 for students and $5 for the public; T-shirts will be sold for $8 for participants and $10 for non-participants.

Part of the proceeds from the weekend productions will benefit the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service of the Finger Lakes. Another portion will be going to the V-day spotlight campaign. This year it will be going to New Orleans for Katrina Warriors, highlighting the daily work of women in their communities who have kept New Orleans alive since August 2005 with meager resources.