"Vagina Monologues" raise awareness about violence toward women

In the mid-1990s a play hit the stage that shocked audiences and put a spotlight on women, body image and violence against women. It put a spotlight on the vagina.

Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" has been performed on hundreds of stages since 1998. On March 5, V-Day, community members and students in Southeast Missouri will put on their seventh yearly performance of the play at the Rose Theatre.

Ensler started V-Day to bring awareness to violence against women and girls, according to the organization's website.

"Violence against women affects everyone, male or female. It's going on everywhere," said Nicole Stanfield, this year's organizer. "It's a lot of important issues that need to be discussed -- domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation and violence against women in general."

The bulk of the proceeds will be split between Safe House for Women and Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence. The show, being promoted by V-Day Southeast Missouri State University, has to donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the global V-Day initiative.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comBrooke

Bethany Elfrink

Age: 18

What she does offstage: Senior at Jackson High School

Why she decided to do the Vagina Monologues: When i heard about it, I thought it was funny. Like, 'Oh, ha ha, vaginas.' But then I actually read it. It just astounds me that just being born a woman is a crime in some places. It talks about that, but at the same time, it's OK and funny and shows that it's all right to talk about it.

Her monologue: The Flood

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comBethany

What she says about her character: This woman, when she was a teenager, she has an experience with a boy and he kisses her and she has a "flood." The boy makes fun of her and she says she closes up. She ends about how she never had to fear the flood anymore because she had cancer and they took everything out.

What she hopes the audience takes away: Hopefully they'll think she's funny. It's kind of sad how she gave up having a husband. But I hope humor; that's the message. I don't think she wants you to feel sorry for her.

Emma Crosby

Age: 20

What she does offstage: Sophomore at Southeast Missouri State University

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.com

Why she decided to take part: I saw it last year. I've always had the opportunity to speak my mind and I know a lot of people don't. I want it to show that, hey, those things are OK to talk about.

Her monologue: The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy

What she says about her character: Basically my character is a "sex worker." Her passion is making women have a good sexual experience. She talks about how powerful a moan is and she feels that's something people need to experience.

What she hopes the audience takes away: I think some people will be a little nervous. Some won't know what to think. I don't know what to expect, really.

Brooke Worley

Age: 18

What she does offstage: Senior at Jackson High School

Why she decided to take part: I had You Tubed it, but I hadn't ever seen it live before. Anything to help the ladies out. And the money is going to safe houses and that hits home for me.

Her monologue: She takes part in a group scene that answers the question: If your vagina could talk, what would it say? She also gives a vagina happy fact.

What she says about her characters: It's kind of one of the bright shining moments between sad things. It's a scientific break.

What she hopes the audience takes away: A break from emotion. There's a really emotional monologue at the end.