STUDENT-PRODUCED 'THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES' TO BE STAGED FEB. 13 AND 14 AT UNA
Feb. 6, 2008
By Rebecca Walker
UNA Student Writer
FLORENCE, Ala.— The annual performances of “The Vagina Monologues,” sponsored by the University of North Alabama’s Women’s Center, will take place Feb. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. in the Performance Center of the Guillot University Center. The student-directed play will be presented in conjunction with V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women.
“This show deals with women’s experiences,” explains Katie Smith, co-director. “It raises awareness of women’s issues, and also raises money for Rape Response of the Shoals.”
The author of “The Vagina Monologues,” Eve Ensler, will be on campus March 15 to speak to UNA and the surrounding community.
The show features 17 UNA students, faculty and staff members, as well as employees of Rape Response of the Shoals, a non-profit organization to which proceeds from the performances are donated. Ten percent of the proceeds also go to the V-Day organization.
The program is co-directed by students Katie Smith and Megan Williams. This is Smith’s fourth performance with UNA’s staging of the show, and her second year directing it. Williams is also a veteran of the show, having been the assistant director last year. Falon Yates, a former UNA student, will be assistant directing, as well.
“It’s a wonderful show, and for the most part, people that come to see it love it,” Smith said.
The show is best suited for mature audiences.
Each year, a spotlight piece is added to the production to focus on a current issue that affects women. The 2008 spotlight is “Katrina Warriors.” V-day has partnered with service providers, first-responders, artists, educators, activists and local V-Day organizers in New Orleans to create a network of community activists that is dedicated to helping women and girls living in New Orleans and the Gulf South or who are returning there to rebuild their lives. The Katrina Warriors Network is working collaboratively with V-Day to unite, activate, involve, and transform the women of the New Orleans and Gulf South community, forming a structure that will last through the rebuilding and beyond, according to the organization’s Web site, www.vday.com.
Admission to UNA’s performance is $5. Also, t-shirts, handmade items, buttons and other items will be available for sale.
For more information about the performance or Ensler’s appearance on campus, contact Anna Lott at 256-765-4486.
