Looking for an immersive experience into the intersectionality of feminism? Look no further than Shippensburg University Memorial Auditorium this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., where the Women’s Center is showing “The Vagina Monologues,” written by Eve Ensler.  

Shippensburg University has featured “The Vagina Monologues” annually on campus since 2003, according to Stephanie Erdice, director of the Women’s Center. “The Vagina Monologues” is a series of speeches concerned with women’s experiences with their vaginas.  

“She [Ensler] really used talking about vaginas as a lens for the whole woman’s experience. Women get angry, women enjoy pleasure, women have children and women are abused. All of those themes are in the show,” Erdice said. 

 Erdice explained that this year’s directors, Kayla Bethea and Ali Laughman, decided to focus on the intersectionality of feminism for their theme. 

“They’re [the directors] trying to bring attention to some of the unique experiences of women of color, women with a disability and the LGBTQ community,” said Erdice. 

Laughman believes the monologues can work as a platform for students who may not normally be given an opportunity to voice their feminist views.

“It [“The Vagina Monologues”] also gives an opportunity for women and female-identified individuals on campus an outlet, to have stage time and speak about the things they care about,” Laughman said.

Some of the themes addressed in the monologues are difficult to face, according to Erdice, who believes it is important to consider why certain themes make us feel uncomfortable. 

“My advice to people that are viewing the show, especially for the first time, is that if there is something that makes you feel uncomfortable or you have a strong reaction to it, is to look inward,” said Erdice, who added that an aspect of your identity, your childhood experience or even your current experience could be contributing to your reaction to certain themes and issues in the monologues. 

While some aspects of the monologues may make you feel uncomfortable, Laughman explains that it is important to continue talking about these topics. 

“There are pretty intense themes in the monologues that evoke thought and consideration, and the point is to feel uncomfortable,” Laughman said. “It’s to break down the boundaries and to open up about topics we normally don’t talk about.”

Tickets can be purchased with cash in the Ceddia Union Building or at the Women’s Center. Advance tickets are $3 for students and $8 for faculty, staff and the community. At the door tickets will be sold at $5 for students and $10 for faculty, staff and the community.

Share