Vagina. Coochie snorcher. Vee-Jay-Jay.
All these phrases and more proclaimed the importance of women’s sexual awareness at the Vagina Monologues, performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27-28 in the Robinson Theater.
Playwright Eve Ensler based the play off the many true, heart-warming and hilarity-ensuing tales of real women and girls. The worldwide project has raised nearly $60 million so far to help end sexual atrocities against women, according to the production’s brochure.
“It has a message of positive sexuality for women that it’s not something we should be ashamed of; it’s something we should celebrate,” said Nancy Schwartz, co-director and adjunct professor of women’s psychology.
This second celebration of vaginas at UNF was made possible through student, faculty and staff volunteers. It generated funds not only for the UNF Women’s Center but also for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, the Betty Griffin House and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rape is a common practice of war, said Sheila Spivey, the assistant director of the Women’s Center and a victim advocacy volunteer.
The production further pursued funds and awareness by setting tables in the lobby displaying information about the sponsors. A “These Hands Don’t Hurt” tablecloth raised money and handprints, along with the signatures of those who donated $1 or more to the cause. A total of $270 was donated at the table.
The topics of the performances ranged from the severity of rape, battery and genital mutilation to the lightness and amusement of women’s sexual confusion, identity and acceptance.
The more humorous monologues like “Reclaiming Cunt” garnered a significant amount of audience participation. As the actress Iana Williams hopped around the stage excitedly, encouraging the audience’s thunderous screams of “cunt,” which probably bewildered anyone walking past the theater.
And the uncontrollable laughter during “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” was due to the many brilliantly executed moans of actress and UNF alumna Nicole Hatfield, who shared with the Spinnaker her own personal views on sexual awareness.
“I think it’s important for … women everywhere to love, embrace and touch their vagina,” she said.
Monologues such as “My Vagina Was a Village” showed the more solemn aspects of women’s sexuality. In this story, actress Anika Warner portrayed a Congonian woman who suffered sexual torture by the means of sticks, rifles, bottles and more.
These touching scenes created a tension and rapt focus in the crowd.
“We had people crying in the audience … at one point because they really just don’t realize the horrors that happen,” Schwartz said.
The final monologue was followed by an invitation: “any victim of sexual abuse, please stand up and be recognized.” Each affected woman slowly but surely gained the courage to stand, leaving about 20 seats empty.
A second invitation: “anyone who knows a victim of sexual abuse, please stand.” About 90 percent of the remaining audience stood up almost immediately.
A final invitation: “anyone who is willing and ready to do what they can to help end sexual abuse, please stand.” After this call to action, nothing but vacant chairs and changed hearts remained in the theater.
As a part of the sexual awareness events, “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer” will also be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 2 and 3 in the Recital Hall. All proceeds will help to further the sexual awareness cause.
E-mail Rebecca McKinnon at staff3@unfspinnaker.com.
