Ensler's V-Day outlines a strict set of rules for how the monologues are to be performed. Here at Amherst, we have made a tradition of bending these rules as far as possible–but don't worry, Eve, our hearts are still with you and with V-Day. Our biggest infraction is the addition of "The Women of Amherst," a 20 minute piece performed by the entire cast which takes place following the traditional Monologues. Audience and cast agree, this is the soul of "The Monologues." "The Women of Amherst" is a space for our voices-for our own unique, beautiful, fabulous vaginas.
Not surprisingly, we have a lot to say. "I feel a constant need to prove myself. To prove that I am not weak, mainly, but also to prove that I am not afraid of men," says one woman of Amherst. "After just a few months of being here, a freshman boy told me that he didn't like Amherst girls. When I asked him why, he told me: 'Amherst girls are smart and have good self-esteem,'" says another. Another cast member adds, "when I walk across campus, I see men who have raped my friends," speaking to one of the most pervasive themes of "The Monologues:" sexual assault. "The Monologues" explore sexual assault from many different perspectives, from a politically incorrect lesbian liberation in "The Little Coochie Snorcher that Could" to rape at the hand of a soldier in "My Vagina is a Village." These monologues are not meant to be an expression of our hate for men, but rather for our support for women who have experienced rape, sexual assault or any other breed of negative experience involving the vagina.
I am a member of "The Monologues" not just because I like to talk about my vagina, though that plays an important role as well. I am a member of "The Monologues" because I believe in our movement. I have friends who do not love their vaginas, who do not talk about their vaginas, who have never seen their vaginas. I want to share my vagina love with them. That's what "The Monologues" are all about. It's a time to say "my vagina is angry, and it needs to talk. It needs to talk to you." "The Amherst Monologues" give something extra-special to Ensler's movement. We, the women of Amherst, are a small community of loud voices.
The show isn't just about sex, though there is plenty of that, and it isn't just about sexual violence. It's about creating a space where women mention the unmentionable with pride. It is a reminder that all women have experienced that brown gunk in our underpants. We have all felt those cold duck lips. We have all, hopefully, awakened to vaginal wonder. It is a reminder that we as women are not alone, no matter what our experiences have been. "The Vagina Monologues" are not designed to be comfortable, and we do not expect that every audience member will appreciate or even like some of the monologues. In fact, we encourage dialogue on these thoughts. We encourage our cast to push their own limits and to push the limits of our audience.
People come up to me all the time with two complaints about the monologues: first, that they are crass, offensive, and if it was a group of men discussing the beauty and importance of their penises, we would hardly call their conversation art. To these naysayers I say, let men talk about their penises. This, however, is our space. I would gladly purchase a ticket for "The Erection Sections." The fact is, "The Monologues" were created because there is a huge vacuum in our culture around the vagina. There is a silence to break, and "The Monologues" help do that. Furthermore, if you think it's crass, rude or inappropriate, say so. The point of "The Monologues" is to start conversations, which is difficult to do effectively without offending some people in the process. In fact, the Feminist Alliance has a dialogue every year to discuss these very issues.
That leads me to frequent criticism number two: "but I've already seen the monologues." To these skeptics I say, you may have seen it before, but you have never seen it like this. "The Women of Amherst" change every year. We are bringing back our sing-along tradition with the sequel to last year's catchy "Vagina Solidarity" anthem. Furthermore, you are not the same person as you were last year. You will experience the monologues differently now than you ever have before. Plus, those five dollars your ticket gives to NELCWIT, a local women's shelter, are needed more often than a one time gift. And then there's the raffle … the way I see it, how can anyone not afford to go to "The Monologues" every year? You may have seen it before, but you have never seen it like this. It's deeper, harder, funnier … it's us.
The Amherst "Vagina Monologues" will be performed this Friday, Feb. 17 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 18 at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Red Room.
Durwood can be reached at
egdurwood@amherst.edu