The Vagina Monologues

Wednesday night, I went to see a performance of The Vagina Monologues. It was the first time I have seen this put on by anyone, and I was surprised at the number of students I knew in the production. They are not involved in the theater program at WCU, but nevertheless did a great job. It speaks to the power of Eve Ensler's work that so many people would want to participate in it who do not normally act on stage.

April Shipman, a graduate student who lives in Madison Residence Hall with me and also plays on the rugby team, did a great job with her monologue. She also got a loud laugh with her mimic of the "baby moan." She received flowers after the show, and I could tell that really made her day.

Emily Hunter, another graduate student with whom I have had dinner a couple of times, was perhaps the most theatrical and animated in her performance. Her section, "The Vagina Workshop," was one of the longest pieces, and she did it all from memory without looking at her cards as most of the other ladies did. She would do well as an actress in other productions, as the character she portrayed was the most eccentric.

Rachel Poston, a student I speak to in the library from time to time, did well with a rather disturbing monologue. It was not particularly pleasant to watch a woman as beautiful as her speak in the first person about mutilations done to her body, but the point of her monologue was to bring home the violence being committed against women in various parts of the world.

And Stephanie Hesbacher, a graduate student who lives across the hall from me, served as the assistant director and worked hard in the organization of the event. The proceeds from the night benefit a local battered women's shelter.

Congratulations to all. The show was well attended and a success. I am glad I went.

Until next time,

Nathan Marshburn