Vagina — it’s a word not many usually hear in the title of a play, but for “The Vagina Monologues,” the title means all the difference.
“The Vagina Monologues” is a show put on to provide a way for communities to raise awareness about violence against women and the experiences that female-identified individuals have with their bodies.
“The title of the monologues was created in order to break down the taboo around women’s bodies, to really break down the silence and get a conversation going,” said Bekah MillerMacPhee, assistant director of programs for the University of Idaho Women’s Center.
Auditions for the play will take place 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Arena Theater in Shoup Hall.
The auditions are open to students, staff and community members who identify as a female or live their lives as women, MillerMacPhee said.
Previous theater experience and prepared pieces are not required for auditions. Excerpts from the play will be available for people to choose from, said Lysa Salsbury, director of the Women’s Center.
In previous years, MillerMacPhee said the Women’s Center has seen a diverse group of performing artists, from individuals with theater experience to people who have never been on stage before.
“Coming to the auditions is a great way to get involved in a really meaningful way and not just in promoting education around women and girls, but really promoting the importance of female-identified folks within our community. It’s also a good way to meet other people who are also interested in this,” MillerMacPhee said.
Being part of the production provides opportunities for new friendships. From spending time together during rehearsals to social gatherings, the cast members gain bonding experiences with each other, MillerMacPhee said.
The piece is based on Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women of different backgrounds, Salsbury said.
During these interviews, MillerMacPhee said Ensler saw an overwhelming number of her interviewees were affected by intimate, sexual or domestic violence, which inspired her to write the play.
Although the monologues cover some more serious topics, not all of them address violence. Some topics are lighter and funny, MillerMacPhee said.
“There’s one about a very positive sexual experience a woman has with a man — some of them don’t have to do with sex at all, but with women’s bodies,” MillerMacPhee said. “There’s a nice diversity of experiences covering the monologues.”
Although men are not permitted to read the monologues, Salsbury said they are encouraged to be part of different aspects of the play. This can include educational outreach, involvement of production and design or stage management positions.
Members of V-Squad, a group of students who don’t have speaking parts, help the Women’s Center spread information and education about the play to the cast members.
“The Vagina Monologues” will be a benefit production, meaning that the majority of money gained from ticket sales will be donated to Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse.
This year’s performance will take place Feb. 10-11 at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center.
Savannah Cardon can be reached at [email protected]