Female genital mutilation, rape and incest are issues many
people are uncomfortable discussing. But they’re real issues
nonetheless, and a benefit performance presented by Gavilan College
is part of the fight to end violence against women.
Gilroy – Female genital mutilation, rape and incest are issues many people are uncomfortable discussing. But they’re real issues nonetheless, and a benefit performance presented by Gavilan College is part of the fight to end violence against women.
The college’s performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” a series of first-person soliloquies discussing female sexuality and anatomy, will benefit the Emmaus House, a new shelter in Hollister for domestic-violence survivors.
Although work on the Emmaus House property is complete, operating funds still are needed for the shelter to open. At the final performance of the play March 7, donations are suggested and can include non-monetary items such as gently used bedding, cookware, towels, toys and arts and crafts materials.
Play author Eve Ensler based the monologues on interviews she conducted with more than 200 women from all walks of life. The result is a wide variety of humorous and in-depth human stories from women – young, old, straight, lesbian, black, white, Hispanic, shy and boisterous.
The play is performed at Gavilan as part of the V-Day College Campaign, an international effort to support anti-violence organizations. Last year, more than 2,000 V-Day benefit events were presented by volunteers around the world. This is the second time the play has been performed at Gavilan.
Tickets are $12 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. The March 7 show is part of Gavilan’s First Monday playreading series.
As some monologues deal with adult situations, the play may not be appropriate for all viewers. For tickets, call 846-4973. For more information about V-Day, visit www.vday.org.
Katie Niekerk is a staff writer. Reach her at 405-847-7097 or [email protected].
