“The Vagina Monologues,” hosted by Una, Saint Louis University’s feminist organization, will stage its fiery monologues Feb. 11 and 12 to raise awareness and funds to combat violence against women, Una President Katie Meyer said.
“The Vagina Monologues” is held annually, but this year will be accompanied by a companion performance, called “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer,” on Feb. 15 and 16. Though both are part of what is called the V-Day movement, which works to stop violence against women, “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” will feature women and men, while the monologues feature only female performers. “The Vagina Monologues” was written by playwright and feminist activist Eve Ensler, while “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” will feature writings by assorted figures, from Howard Zinn to Maya Angelou.
Meyer said she hoped students would become aware of the issues faced by women around the world and give them a “sense of empowerment that they can do something about this.”
The theme for this year’s V-Day movement is “Women of New Orleans and the Gulf South,” so 10 percent of the money collected from the ticket prices and silent auctions will go toward the cause. Karen House and The Women’s Safe House, which support battered women and their dependent children, will receive the rest of the profit.