Homewood Woman Brings 'The Vagina Monologues' to Governors State

UNIVERSITY PARK, IL - A one-time only production of “The Vagina Monologues” is coming to Governors State University this month and a Homewood woman is behind it.

Marie Goulet has performed in and directed several versions of the play known to empower women by bringing to the forefront some of their most powerful stories. But most of her stages have been in the city of Chicago and this will be one of the few performances that take place in the land of the south suburbs.

The timing is perfect, Goulet says. Not only will the performance take place during the “V-Day” celebration that lasts throughout February, but it will come during a year where women’s rights have come under attack and a response of strong activism has helped bring the topic of violence and discrimination against women back to the forefront.

“It’s more important now than ever to do this, raise awareness and raise some funds for these important causes,” said Goulet, an actor and Homewood-Flossmoor High School alum. A portion of the $20 ticket fee will go to support Planned Parenthood of Illinois and the South Suburban Family Shelter.

Goulet says during previous years, the focus of these shows has been on the suffering of women in other parts of the world. But this year, with the election of a new president and vice president, the issue hits a little close to home.

“For the first time in awhile, women here are feeling that some of their rights could be taken away,” Goulet said, praising the V-Day movement that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of the Vagina Monologues show that was founded by playwright Eve Ensler. “The need for awareness of the violence against women is a global issue, and in recent weeks has gained notoriety here.”

“The Vagina Monologues” is a scripted play that incorporates the stories of hundreds of women. Some are humorous, others heartbreaking, moving and triumphant. They are all based on facts, Goulet said.

One segment is re-written by Ensler each year and Goulet says this year’s spotlight portion touches on the women’s pride movement that has taken center stage over the last few weeks.

“There are definitely some indicators in there,” Goulet said. “There’s more of a call to action this year.”
The performance will be delivered by a mix of GSU students and professional actors.

It will be an important one because Goulet says she does not remember a time when the show played in the far south suburbs of Chicago and this could be the first to help support the South Suburban Family Shelter.
“I really wanted to do something in the south suburbs and being a GSU alum, this was a natural fit,” said Goulet. “I wanted to do something to help the shelter and bring awareness to this area.”

While the show has helped bring much needed awareness to the global problem of violence against women, even some activists might be surprised to hear some of the statistics associated with just how horrifying the problem has become.

Goulet, an activist herself, says a recent study shows that one of of every three women worldwide will either be physically or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime.

“That’s a staggering statistic,” she said. “Just think of three women you know closely, and think that the odds show that one of them will be abused.”

“The Vagina Monologues” is a 90 minute show. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. at GSU’s Sherman Recital Hall, 1 University Parkway in University Park on Saturday, Feb. 18. Tickets are $20 at the door and $10 if you have a student ID.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. You’ll be entertained for sure,” Goulet said.

Photo provided