Amid a cloud of controversy, The Vagina Monologues was performed last Friday and Saturday night, held for the first time in four years at an off-campus location, the Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center. Sponsored by Una, Saint Louis University’s feminist organization, and authored by Eve Ensler, the Monologues was relocated off-campus due to the administration’s refusal to sponsor the performances on campus.
As a result of this lack of funding, this year’s production faced challenges in “finding a space, fundraising and advertising an off-campus venue, publicity and transportation of supplies and people,” said director, Rachel Buckler. However, despite background issues, the Monologues was performed before sold-out audiences of about 350 people each night. Though the final figures aren’t yet in, Buckler expects to have brought in approximately $7,500 between ticket prices and the silent auction held during the production. The money earned will be divided three ways. Ten percent goes to the V-Day Spotlight Campaign “Women in Conflict Zones,” an international movement to prevent violence against women. The Women’s Safe House, recipient of 45 percent of the Monologues’ earnings, strives to provide shelter and support for battered women and their young children, while the mission of the Karen House, receiving the remaining 45%, is to provide a safe haven for homeless women and their children.
Said Karen House volunteer Jenny Truax, “[Karen House] is dependent on private funding like this to pay the heating bills . and cover food and housing. We don’t receive government grants or funding.” Without the money, Truax suspected there would’ve been problems paying off the bills that came from a large amount of plumbing problems this year.
Controversy or not, the show still went on, and, since the majority of the participants in this year’s production are current seniors, Una is looking for leaders to take over the project for next year. Buckler encourages those interested to attend Una’s meetings, which take place on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in Ritter Hall, room 200. There is no word on where the Monologues will be held next year.
