The Vagina Monologues - Stony Brook Style

By Rebecca Newman

Women’s rights. Feminism. Gender stereotypes. Admit it, some of you roll your eyes when you hear these terms. And why shouldn’t you? They are overused, oversimplified, and not well explained. Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” is an effective piece that attempts to raise awareness about women’s issues through humor, drama, and wonderful storytelling. Moreover, the monologues in the play were mostly nonfiction and the products of extensive interviews with women young and old, rich and poor, and from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Watching the Stony Brook University Wo/Men’s & Gender Resource Center’s production of “The Vagina Monologues” in the SAC Ballroom on March 1st felt like sitting in on a girls’ intimate lunch meeting or watching a delicious episode of Sex and the City. The actresses themselves also varied in shape, size, and color. Each woman brought her own unique quality to the performance, which also seemed to celebrate the diversity of Stony Brook campus.

Each monologue was tastefully candid and personal. The show was extremely enjoyable because it felt like a string of female stories, as opposed to a script. While the humor was particularly memorable, “The Vagina Monologues” also paid attention to issues such as rape and genital mutilation. The monologue “Say It,” performed by Katie Giacovelli, tackled the devastion of sexual slavery in World War II Japan. Giacovelli’s dramatic performance and delivery made this monologue stand out. In a show mixed with comedy and tragedy it can be easy for an audience to only pay attention to the funny parts. Actors must work hard to incite sympathy and concern for drama. Giacovelli did this well.

“The Vagina Monologues” is a great show because it breaks taboos centered around the female anatomy through comedy, which can be the most successful device. The monologue “My Angry Vagina” discussed issues including the extreme discomfort of the dreaded pelvic exam, douche products, and cardboard tampon applicators. Getting these rants out can really help women feel liberated to let out complaints that are usually kept secret.

Hearing these stories really conveyed the emotional affects of being comfortable with one’s body and sexuality. The monologues “Because He Liked To Look At It,” performed by Rachel Kalish, and “The Woman Who Loved To Make Vaginas Happy,” performed by Jennifer Dixson, both portrayed two women who were made happier by their own or their partner’s appreciation of the vagina. Women who embrace their anatomy (or observe others doing so) become sexually liberated, more secure, and happier with who they are. Also, Dixson gave an unforgettable performance when she acted out several different kinds of orgasms - complete with panting, screaming, and getting down on all fours. It is uncommon for sex to be presented this candidly on stage.

“The Vagina Monologues” is a great show. It is educational, entertaining, and celebratory all at the same time. Anyone who wants to know what it is like to be a woman should definitely see this. Whatever your perception of womanhood is now will change for the better after watching the performance.