Local Benefit Performance of "The Vagina Monologues" Comes to the College of DuPage

Take Back The Night DuPage is presenting its annual fundraiser performance of "The Vagina Monologues."

Each year, there is a spotlight monologue honoring a specific cause. As the one year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti approaches, "The Women and Girls of Haiti" is selected as the 2011 Spotlight Campaign. The spotlight monologue featured is in honor of Eve Ensler's dear friend, Myrim Merlet, who died in the Haiti earthquake. Merle was a dedicated activist for women's rights and was the chief of staff of the ministry for Women in Haiti.

Victims still live in makeshift camps in Haiti. Women and girls are at high risk of sexual assault. UNICEF reports that the rape of women and girls in post-earthquake Haiti has reached a four-year high.

Ensler's award-winning play is based  interviews with more than 200 women. The play is full of humor, pain and irony,  but each monologue celebrates women’s sexuality and strength. "For more than twelve years, The Vagina Monologues has been a vehicle for womens experiences to be articulated and heard.

This year's TVM cast, armed with black binder notebooks decorated with "TVM" in red, and dressed primarily in black with a red accessory, will deliver a reader's theater format performance. With limited resources for a true theater rental, COD donates the performance space, and lighting and sound are donated.

Don't let this fool you into believing you will have less of an experience. This cast of volunteers (myself included) are passionate about the cause and are there with one goal: to raise funds to spread awareness.

The final performance is Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Performances will be held at the college's SRC (Student Resource Center) in room 2800. Tickets are $5 advance/students with ID and $10 at the door. Seating is first-come, first-serve and early arrival is recommended.