“The Vagina Monologues”

UNT group host production over the feminine experience

Sierra Taylor, Managing Editor

All around the world, women are stepping on stages this month to speak about vaginas and the problems surrounding them.

“The Vagina Monologues” is a theatrical production written by Eve Ensler that focuses on aspects of the feminine experience. On Feb. 26 and 27 in UNT’s Student Union, the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance at UNT is sponsoring the 16th annual event as part of the “V-Day” campaign to raise awareness about violence against women as well as social stigmas related to that violence. Prior to the show, starting at 6:30 p.m., people can purchase from local vendors at the Vagina Fair until the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

In a recent interview with The Lasso, actor and TWU Post-Baccalaureate Government major Anjelica Fraga shared why she chose to be a part of the production:  “Each monologue is based off an interview Eve Ensler had with a real woman, and they cover a wide range of women’s issues, from the discomfort of tampons and shaving pubic hair, to childbirth, to rape, to the discrimination that transgendered women face. Some are hilarious, and some will bring you to tears. I love the versatility of the monologues included.”

Fraga added that she felt like she could not pass up the opportunity: “As a victim of sexual violence, I felt it was important to help amplify the voices of women who had suffered similar or worse experiences because, at least for me, it was helpful to know that I was not the only one.”

The variety of people involved and the different types of women the show touches are other reasons Fraga said she enjoys being a part of this production.

Fraga said: “We all have our own reasons for participating, but it’s so important to all of us to do justice to these women’s stories.”

According to a press release from The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, UNT V-Day events has raised over $100,000 since 2000. The money has been donated to a variety of organizations such as, The Parkland Rape Crisis Center, Windows of Rwanda Genocide, The Indian Country Project, Denton County Friends of the Family, Mosaics Family Service and many others.

The press release continues: “Part of what makes this event so special is the opportunities it offers to businesses and organizations in local communities — to participate in this global movement, to celebrate and honor the women and girls in your life and community, to be part of a collective voice, a voice that refuses to be ignored, a voice that says ‘no’ to sexual violence and violence against women and girls.”