The stage is simply set with a black backdrop and red curtains. There are three actresses who adopt strong individual identities as they critique the vocabulary used to describe women “down there”: “The word vagina sounds like an infection, at best” says one of the actresses, “maybe a medical instrument: Hurry, nurse, bring me the vagina.” They address its secretive nature: “There’s so much darkness and secrecy surrounding them — like the Bermuda Triangle. Nobody ever reports back from there,” one actress chides. After touching upon some of the light-hearted subjects of the piece, the actresses come together and in carefully timed unison they say, rather charmingly, “I bet you’re worried. We were worried. We were worried about vaginas.”

The candor and explicit nature of “The Vagina Monologues” may catch you by surprise, but it will not catch you without a laugh. “The Vagina Monologues” unleashes the once-secretive and silent sexual life of women and written by Eva Ensler, is based on interviews with women regarding their various sexual experiences.

A key example: An actress acts out all the types of orgasms, from the Georgetown WASP orgasm (near silence with a few high pitched and shrill moans) to the rock star orgasm (YES! YES! YES!).

Laura Brienza (COL ’10), a staff writer for The Hoya, Rachel DiNardo (COL ‘08), Amanda Sandberg (COL ’08) and Sarah Stanley (COL ’08), are the directors who lead the young actress as they all embrace the humor and pain involved in sexual-self-discovery. Hilariously funny, witty and touching, the actresses bring to life each of these monologues, celebrating women’s sexuality and reminding us to think outside “the box.”

DiNardo clears up the myth that The Vagina Monologues would appeal only to a handful of lesbians or a group of bitter man-hating unattractive women. She says, “The show is not anti-man. We seek to celebrate, discuss and pose questions about the uniqueness of the female experience.”

Heading into the play with this expectation, will leave this uninformed viewer pleasantly surprised. “The Vagina Monologues” is a celebratory piece. Although there are stories of abusive men in “The Vagina Monologues,” the piece also recounts the positive impact that men can have on women in helping them to feel proud of their bodies and love themselves as they are.

But it is the acting that makes tha show a sucess. Nearly all of the girls did a terrific job of transforming their identities to adopt their characters. In one of the monologues, “The Vagina Workshop”, Marjory Collado (COL ‘09) gives a hilarious performance describing her experience at a vagina workshop and reenacting the euphoric moment when she is struck by “vaginal wonder.” Another wonderful monologue, “My Angry Vagina” was delivered by Vanessa Sandoval (COL ’08). Bitter that her vagina has been disrespected and mistreated by the culture, she complains about tampons, unsatisfying sex, gynecologists and shaving. As she bends her knees and stretches her arms forward, emphasizing the ardor of her message, she shouts, “Don’t let him tell you its supposed to smell like rose, it’s supposed to smell like pussy.” Her emphasis, delivery and heartfelt frustration make it impossible for the audience not to laugh about the issues at hand, which are as truthful as they are humorous.
Brienza says that despite being comical, “The Vagina Monologues” raises serious issues and controversies, “I know there is a protest every year, especially because we are a Catholic institution. The show is sexually charged, which conservative Catholics who fund our endowment may not appreciate. I understand and respect that, but I highly value freedom and expression and I think the discourse of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is especially important for a Christian institution in 2008.”

The students involved are not only concerned about women’s sexual liberation, but are also very committed to protecting the rights of women and supporting women who are victims of sexual abuse. Presented by V-Day, a movement to stop violence against women and Take Back the Night, a student advocacy group dedicated to the fight against gendered violence, “The Vagina Monologues” is part of an awareness campaign, donating its proceeds to V-day and My Sister’s Place, a shelter for battered women and children that helps them find transitional housing and jobs.

The play is both a witty performance and a candid account from the female point of view. And the show isn’t just for girls — seeing “The Vagina Monologues” would be a great experience for men on this campus, and not only because they could potentially benefit from knowing a little more about a woman’s orgasm, but because it would open their minds

“The show is anti-rape, anti-violence and anti-objectification,” DiNardo said. “Men who share those values, and I believe that the vast majority of men do, will find themselves very welcome at ‘The Vagina Monologues.’”

One director told the story of a father, who after having seen his daughter acting in the show, reportedly said, “It was difficult to sit through, but it was good for me.” Many people dismiss this production for fear or discomfort, but give the message a chance. After all, it may be good for you too.