I'm in the newspaper!!

Largest cast to perform 'Vagina Monologues'
By: Amanda Grosgebauer
Issue date: 1/31/08

Since Monday, members of the TAMU V-Day organization have been in Rudder Plaza selling vagina-shaped fudge pops to promote the Friday and Saturday performances of "The Vagina Monologues."

Twin directors Carissa and Vanessa Delgado said they received varied responses from students passing by their table in Rudder Plaza.

Carissa, a sophomore sociology major, said that most people asked if they could see the vagina pops, but would not buy them.

"One guy came up to the table and said, 'I'm not dyslexic, but doesn't that say vagina?'" said sophomore psychology major Vanessa.

Written more than 10 years ago by New York writer Eve Ensler, the collection of monologues covers issues such as sex, love, mutilation, masturbation, birth, rape and violence against women, all which reinforce the central theme that characterizes the vagina as a tool of female empowerment through which women can achieve total femininity and individuality.

The TAMU V-Day organization has put on the show for seven years. The directors said they hope for a large turnout to match the passion of the cast, which is the largest to date.

Each year, an extra monologue is added to the collection to spotlight a contemporary issue affecting women around the world. The most recent addition, "Welcome the Wetlands" brings to light the difficulty faced by women involved in Hurricane Katrina. The monologue is read by senior sociology major Sab**** Kr****, who said of the entire show, "People need to hear these stories - at least once - to put a face with the statistics we hear all the time."

All proceeds will be donated to a local charity or organization that benefits female victims of violence. In the previous four years, TAMU V-Day organization donated more than $20,000 dollars to local charities. This year's show benefits the Rape Crisis Center of Brazos Valley.

"The Vagina Monologues" will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in MSC 201. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for general admission, and may be purchased at the MSC Box Office.