'Vagina' coincides with V-Day

A cast of 16 women performed Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" to a sold-out crowd at UNM's Rodey Theatre Saturday night.

The performance was a part of the V-Day College Initiative in which 230 colleges and universities around the world showcased productions of "The Vagina Monologues" on their campuses on or around Valentine's Day.

V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women. The movement began in 1998 when, inspired by "The Vagina Monologues," it proclaimed Valentine's Day as V-Day. The movement seeks to reinvigorate efforts already underway and begin new initiatives in publicity, education and law to end violence.

According to their Web site, V-Day's founders hope that, one day, women everywhere will live in safety and no longer fear violence or the threat of violence. When that day comes, V-Day will be known as "Victory Over Violence Day."

"The Vagina Monologues" are based on interviews with women from around the world about a fundamental but taboo subject: the vagina. Ensler's play gives voice to these women's stories and explores the humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage, mystery and excitement hidden in vaginas. Vignettes such as "The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could," "Smell," and "Reclaiming Cunt" leave the audience, both female and male, looking at the world a little differently.

Not only is the play a liberating and eye-opening experience for its audience, its cast members found the experience moving and valuable.

"It was really great to work with such a diverse and non-apathetic group of women," says Keri Piehl, cast member and UNM student. "This sense of community is something that I am working to construct in my life."

Director Lane Lucas asked the cast if they would perform barefoot in recognition of the women across the world who live in poverty and do not have the resources to so easily participate in V-Day. The cast agreed to the symbolic gesture and braved the cold tile floors.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center and UNM's Women's Resource Center.

The flagship event for V-Day took place Saturday night at New York's Madison Square Garden. An estimated 18,000 people were in attendance as "The Vagina Monologues" were performed with such notable actresses as Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Calista Flockhart and Marissa Tomei taking part.

For more information about V-Day, visit the Web site at www.vday.org