By Lily Gannon, Staff Writer
WomenSpeak put on its annual production of “The Vagina Monologues” for the first time in two years from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24 in Isaac’s Auditorium.
“The Vagina Monologues” debuted in 1996 and is yearly updated with new monologues tackling more modern feminist issues, such as women who live under the Taliban or are transgender.
Senior Samantha Borkhoche, who directed “The Vagina Monologues” this year, said she was excited to keep up the tradition on campus, especially since it has not been performed in recent years.
“WomenSpeak has been doing this for a super long time,” Borkhoche said. “Hopefully this becomes a new tradition from an old tradition.”
Students involved stressed the importance of the work’s message and why it is performed on campus.
“I think that it’s a very important piece of art because it shows a variety of experiences,” said senior Angie Poole. “It’s meant to make you uncomfortable because you’re not used to people saying ‘vagina’ over and over again.”
Poole continued by explaining that “The Vagina Monologues” helped to normalize women and the experiences they have that are often not talked about in media.
Other students involved in the production also highlighted the inclusivity of the show.
“The good part about ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is that everyone who tries out gets to be involved,” said senior Sally Schisler. “Either they get a part, or if they want to stay behind the scenes, they can work in production. I think that’s pretty cool and encouraging for people.”
More than just students performed in the show – one participant, Director of Residence Life Colleen Bunn, both performed in Susquehanna’s production and in shows prior.
“For this particular show, I did the monologue ‘I Was There In The Room,’ which is about birth,” Bunn said. “It was also the first monologue that I performed when I started doing the show 11 years ago and so it was really powerful for me to do that monologue that really reflected my own birth experience.”
All of the proceeds from ticket sales go back into charity, both nationally and locally. 10 percent of the proceeds will go to a national organization that helps women who are or were formally incarcerated, while the other 90 percent will go to Transitions, a nonprofit organization that offers counseling, shelter and other emergency services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.