Citing popular demand, Feminist Organization Reclaiming Consciousness and Equality is bringing back the Vagina Monologues to campus a little sooner this year than in years past.
The event, which is usually held in late-March or early-April, will be held in the Beach Auditorium Friday, said Lauren MacIntyre, president of FORCE, an organization that seeks to create dialogue and raise awareness of feminism.
“We wanted to bring it back sooner because of the good feedback from students and faculty,” MacIntyre said.
The CSULB Vagina Monologues event was derived from the Broadway play written by American playwright, performer and activist Eve Ensler in 1996, MacIntyre said.
“It’s a great example of what it means to be a woman in ways a lot of people will probably never hear,” MacIntyre said. “The monologues consist of different identities, different age groups and women. It talks about women’s sexuality in a very profound way.”
In order to participate, students had to audition on Feb. 25 for a spot in the performance, Macintyre said.
“Most participants who participated last year will participate this year,” MacIntyre said. “We were nervous about the turnout [but] we filled up every monologue … it was very surprising because it was a last-minute thing.”
Senior mechanical engineering major Leo Baranda said he didn’t know such events took place on campus.
“I didn’t know we had one on campus … I would go but it all depends on my schedule and stuff,” Baranda said. “It’s a good way for those who aren’t used to expressing themselves through spoken word, they can get out and express their beliefs through that.”
Senior political science and criminal justice major Mara Fericiano said although she appreciates the purpose of the event, it’s not something she is interested in.
“I feel like it’s a great celebration for women, but personally I wouldn’t attend [because of] my beliefs and the way I was raised,” Fericiano said. “Its kind of crass, but good for them, and celebrating being a woman. Go feminism.”
Senior journalism major Benjamin Balana said he hasn’t attended a Vagina Monologues performance before but its name caught his interest.
“The title of the event catches my attention enough that I would want to check it out,” he said. “It’s intriguing.”
Tickets can be purchased in front of the University Library today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5 and from the Women’s Resource Center located in the Liberal Arts building 1, Room 102 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow.
A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but the cost will be $7.
“It’s an event that always sells out,” MacIntyre said. “We’re anticipating it to be a successful event.”
