MANSFIELD – The power of femininity and the female body will be embraced this weekend at The Ohio State University in Mansfield.
The university’s Theatre Department is partnering with The Domestic Violence Shelter to present “The Vagina Monologues,” a series of personal monologues read by a diverse group of local women. Performances are April 5 at 7 p.m. and April 7 and 6 at 8 p.m.
“The Vagina Monologues” were written and originally performed solely by Eve Ensler, who conducted interviews with 200 women and wrote the monologues based on those interviews. Each of the speeches touch on an array of topics having to do with the feminine experience, including sex, body image, rape, menstruation, masturbation and birth.
According to Director Haley Bedocs, the play has evolved over the years from a celebration of vaginas and femininity to a movement to stop violence against women. As such, partnering with The Domestic Violence Shelter was a natural fit – all ticket sale donations will be given to the Shelter. Tickets are $10 for community members and $5 for students.
“Statistically, 1 in 3 women have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetimes,” Bedocs said. “In 2013, in Ohio alone, there were 38 domestic violence fatalities. The all-female cast and crew (along with myself) are very proud to be a part of this cause.”
Cast member Mary Frankenfield echoed Bedocs’ sentiments, noting that some of the women in the show tell stories about abuse and violence over which they had no hope of controlling.
“My hope for any woman who seeks shelter would be to finds the parts of herself that are portrayed in the many other stories in this show; things like love, hope, strength, self discovery and awe at what a woman is capable of,” Frankenfield said. “I am so honored to be a part of this project for so many reasons.”
Frankenfield said while “The Vagina Monologues” is funny and sometimes raunchy, ultimately the show is thought-provoking and important. Cast member Maddie Penwell, who performs a monologue about rape, said she hopes women will be able to talk about their experiences without stigma and shame.
“I’ve had a few conversations with a fellow cast member about how some words and phrases make me blush to listen to, and it’s caused me to question why I find that word so uncomfortable,” Penwell said. “I consider myself to be an open-minded feminist, so why am I squirming while watching a performance about the female orgasm?”
Audiences should note the mature content warning for the production of “The Vagina Monologues,” and those 12 years of age and younger are not advised to attend.
A recurring theme throughout the show is the idea of the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. Penwell said each monologue tells the story of a women’s relationship with her own femininity, and is eye-opening to what women experience in both exciting and devastating ways.
“It’s really important to hear the stories and to hear the words that make us uncomfortable but also to take away our thoughts and feelings and have those discussions we’re too ashamed to have,” she said. “That’s the only way things will change.”
