Monologues a new take on an old day

Vagina Monologues address violence against women

Valentine's Day 1999 promises to be less traditional than most. Come Feb. 14, students with or without sweethearts can celebrate and explore experiences of women nationwide with a campus production of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues.

The production is part of "The College Initiative," a national campaign which seeks to end sexual violence against women. "The College Initiative" involves various stagings of Ensler's work at colleges and universities around the country.

Ann Cooper Albright is facilitating Oberlin's performance of The Vagina Monologues, a play which promises to be engaging. According to the New York Times the play is funny and poignant. The Daily News contributes their praise, professing that Monologues is intelligent and courageous.

Oberlin performers may have a tough act to follow, however, as last year's V-Day performance showcased actresses Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Surandon, Winona Ryder, Lily Tomlin and Calista Flockhart. Such feminist icons have provided good publicity for Monologues, but may breed high expectations for amateur productions of the play.

At any rate, each and every performance of Monologues comes equipped with politcal and social awareness. Domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, rape and genital mutilation are just some of the aspects Ensler hopes to adress.

The play itself is based on interviews with a range of women. Oberlin's performance promises to explore the pain, power, wisdom, excitement, humor and mystery of women's experience. In fact, The Vagina Monologues also promises to add diversity to February's holiday of romance.

The Vagina Monolgues will be performed Sunday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. in Warner Main Space. Admission is $2 and tickets are available at the door.