The time has come once again to take the vagina out of anatomy class and onto center stage.
Carly Assael, a senior theatre major, has the initiative to do just that. Assael held auditions for “The Vagina Monologues” as director last Thursday and call-backs were held the following evening. About 30 women showed up to the audition, she said.
“I expected a larger turnout, but I was happy with the girls that I got,” she said.
First to audition was Anne-Marie Chouinard, a junior theatre major.
Chouinard remained calm before performing parts from “My Vagina Was My Village,” a story about a rape victim. She said her confidence came from her past acting experience.
“I was in ‘The Vagina Monologues’ before, during my freshman year,” she said. “Otherwise, I’d usually have to prepare a lot [more].”
Next was Lauren Romans, a junior communications and music industry double major with a minor in theatre.
Performing lines from “My Angry Vagina,” one of the more humorous and irate monologues, she spoke out against tampons and said, “You need to work with the vagina.”
Romans found enjoyment in her audition by choosing this particular monologue for its comedic qualities.
“It’s probably the most fun to do,” she said. “You get to express yourself and have fun, which I love.”
Jesse Armon, a sophomore theatre major, also chose to read from “My Angry Vagina” for her audition.
While wearing a “Sucks 2 BU” shirt, she used her clothing and origins to express her character’s anger, she said.
“You get to be angry and use a lot of attitude,” she said. “Being a New Yorker, I can handle those things.”
While each reading displayed a different attitude toward the vagina, they were all linked by a common purpose.
“I just think it’s a great opportunity to hear women for once,” Armon said.
Chouinard emphasized the different messages the play expresses.
“I think it’s really about female empowerment, being comfortable, being happy and being happy with yourself. Women do have those issues,” she said. “And it’s a wonderful opportunity to know we are all the same.”
Chouinard also pointed out that the play is not strictly directed at female audiences.
“I know there’s no ‘Penis Monologues,’ but I definitely encourage guys to come,” she said.
While providing audience members with an awareness of the issues women face, “The Vagina Monologues” also offers a special experience for everyone involved in its production.
“It’s unique because the group of women who assemble to put it on are so diverse,” Assael said. “They’re all from different backgrounds. It’s great to have all these women in the same room, trying to create this message that is so meaningful and important to everyone.”
The 13 women who were chosen were notified over the weekend.
“They all did a wonderful job at auditions and I’m looking forward to working with them,” Assael said.
The episodic play, written by Eve Ensler, will be performed Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 in Blackman Auditorium as part of the V-Day movement to end abuse against women and girls. The proceeds made from ticket sales will be donated to a local charity.
