Hello,
I realize that this is a big longer than most letters, but I was really hoping that it could be published, either as a letter to the editor or in another section of the next edition. We’d also be happy for you to use it as a base, interview V-Day/cast members and write your own feature article.Please contact me with any questions or concerns:
Kat Steiner (Secretary/Production Manager, V-Day)
x6304, 204 Hiett Hall
steinerk@lawrence.edu (article below):
Help End violence against women–Buy some chocolate; See a play
What: Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, sponsored by V-Day
When: Saturday, February 26 at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday, February 27 at 8pm
Where: Cloak Theatre
Cost: $5 students/seniors; $10 general admission. All proceeds go to charity.
For the fourth year, the Lawrence University chapter of V-Day is pleased to present our production of The Vagina Monologues. Lawrentians and community members alike have consistently enjoyed past productions, while each year first-time viewers contribute to the ever-growing audiences. The production at Lawrence is part of a national college movement, in which thousands of benefit performances are produced by V-Day chapters during February and March across the country.
Each year, V-Day produces Eve Ensler’s award winning show to raise awareness and funds for charities working to end violence against women. This year, V-Day has selected three groups that will work on local, national and international levels: the Fox Valley Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Men Can Stop Rape and KIWOHEDE. The SACC works locally to help the survivors of sexual assault and rape in the Fox Valley area, also working on a preventative level with youth. Men Can Stop Rape is a national organization focusing on preventative education for men and working to break cycles of violence by helping men in poverty-stricken areas. KIWOHEDE is a Tanzanian half-way house that works to help educate and rehabilitate male and female homeless youth, helping them to create their own violence and poverty free future.
While the Monologues has become a traditional favorite on the Lawrence campus, this year’s show also boasts some new surprises for audiences. In his first time directing for V-Day, Dan Whiteley (’05) brings his talents and a vision that takes the show in exciting new directions. Additionally, a new monologue by playwright Eve Ensler dealing with transgender issues has been added to the original repertoire.
A reception featuring refreshments as well as educational and interactive displays from a variety of campus and community groups follows each performance, and a talk-back with the cast will follow the Saturday matinee.
In an effort to raise funds for this year’s production, V-Day will again be selling the popular chocolate vagina pops. Available in a variety of flavors, these delicious treats will be sold at Downer Commons during the week of February 14. They will also be available at the receptions following each performance, while supplies last.
While the Monologues are V-Day’s biggest annual event, they are not the only activity sponsored by V-Day. In fact, V-Day works throughout the academic year to promote events that help to achieve its mission of ultimately ending violence against women. The group recently collected signatures to send to companies regarding positive and negative portrayals of women in print advertisements. Additionally, V-Day is kicking off a campaign with children in local shelters, promoting both awareness and self-esteem.
V-Day meets at 9pm on Thursdays in Main Hall room 105. Come and make a difference!