'The Vagina Monologues' cast preparing for UNCWs 10th annual performance

The Women's Studies and Resource Center is hosting the 10th annual UNCW performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" in Lumina Theater Feb. 11 and 13 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

"The Vagina Monologues" is part of V-Day, which according to the Web site, www.vday.org, is "a global movement to stop violence against women and girls."

"I love this cause. It is very close to my heart and I fully support it," said junior Josh Hollamon who is the stage manager for "The Vagina Monologues."

According to the Web site, "V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery."

"The Vagina Monologues," written by playwright, performer and activist Eve Ensler, has been translated into over 45 languages and is performed in over 130 countries. Every year, it is revised to include new monologues.

"The event is about raising awareness in a unique way," said Amy Feath who is directing the program at UNCW and is the Crisis Intervention Services director at the Coastal Horizons Center, Inc.

The performance at UNCW is comprised of 21 women, many of them UNCW students, presenting 14 monologues. 10 percent of the proceeds go to the fight against violence toward women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the spotlight cause for 2010. The rest of the proceeds will be divided between the Coastal Horizons Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. and the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.

"For me, ['The Vagina Monologues'] are about women sharing other women's stories," said Feath. "It is not what people expect. It will make you laugh, cry; it will disturb you. It will make you want to go out and join the cause and make a difference."

"It is important to people from all walks of life," said Susan Jalbert, a performer in the UNCW production of the show. "It is about self-respect and respect for others. It is full of poignant monologues that are very heart wrenching and helps make everyone aware that life is precious and we must be kind, gentle, caring and, above all, respectful."

"I feel very inspired by the women I have met during this process," Feath said. "It is so exciting to see the energy. It is such a diverse case, and I am glad we have the opportunity to do this."

According to Feath, it was a hard-fought battle for the idea of performing "The Vagina Monologues" to be accepted by UNCW and the community in 2000.

"It would have been a shame for this not to be a part of our community culture," Feath said.

"As busy as people are and especially in these economic times, it surprised me how many people wanted to be involved," Jalbert said. "Amy has done a wonderful job. She is so diligent and dedicated and hard working."

"I am so excited for the performances," Hollamon said. "I think the cast is coming along well, and I have seen a lot of progression. It is definitely going to rock."

Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for general admission. They can be purchased at Sharky's Box Office and online at www.etix.com. Donations can also be made through the Women's Studies and Resource Center.

"If you are undecided about 'The Vagina Monologes,' you should definitely come see it," Feath said. "It is a lot different than you would expect, and it is not just for women. I have seen a lot of men in the audience who really enjoyed it and continue to come back."