The Center for Women and Gender presented a performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" last night in Collis Commonground. The annual production, now in its sixth year at the College, featured more than 25 Dartmouth women and is part of a greater, week-long Valentine's Day series of events. The play will be performed again Wednesday at 5 p.m.
I spoke to several performers and members of the production staff before last night's performance to find out why they were participating in "The Vagina Monologues" and to ask what they hoped the Dartmouth community would take away from the performance. Several people decided to get involved after seeing last year's show, having little or no acting experience. Needless to say, I became skeptical of how the acting would pan out and how it would affect the production as a whole.
My skepticism was quelled immediately. All of the acting exceeded my expectations but it instantly became clear that the level of acting would not make or break the evening. That this would be an evening of celebrating vaginas, and while good acting could further this empowerment, a little bit of weak acting would not hinder it.
For a split second, it was upsetting to see the actors with notecards in hand, but they soon proved that they took Ensler's messages seriously and were doing the best they could to inspire both women and men.
Ensler's objective was never to see who could memorize monologues the best; the point was to inspire women to have strength, confidence and a love for their vaginas.
That being said, most of the acting was strong and well thought-out. The Dartmouth women exuded a perfect balance of humor, vivacity and gravity, as Ensler intended.
Although the production as a whole is a mix of uplifting and solemn performances, this tonal balance can be found within specific monologues as well. Lavinia Weizel '04 performed "The Vagina Workshop," using an innocent, humorous character to tell of her transformation from a timid, nonbeliever of orgasms to an advocate for self-love and exploration.
The performance was vibrant and engaging, referring to the vagina as "a shell, a tulip and destiny."
Anna Tobin '08 had the relaxation of a stand-up comedian while performing "My Angry Vagina." A monologue of frustration and angst towards those who try to "shut up" vaginas and make them "smell nice," Tobin embraced the profanity and humor and, while stirring riotous laughter from the audience, succeeded in the inspirational message. Vaginas are what they are, they smell what they smell like and people should stop trying to get us to spray them and stick dry cotton wads up there.
Although at times humor was necessary and expected, the more serious side of the production was successful as well. Deborah Wassel '07 portrayed an elderly woman who spoke about her "down there" for the first time -- a woman who did not think, touch or use her vagina after an embarrassing experience in her teenage years. Wassel took on an impressive character role, light-hearted when appropriate but ultimately provocative.
Wassel is a contributing columnist for The Dartmouth.
Other monologues fit into the "not funny but not somber, just plain inspiring" category. Among them was "My Short Skirt," performed by Jessica Smith '05.
Smith's performance articulated what every woman feels but can never express: the power of a short skirt. Smith's stage presence and resonating voice reminded that a skirt is not an invitation to a man but rather a symbol of confidence and "defiance."
"The Vagina Monologues" succeeded in combining upbeat humor with serious tones and messages, giving power to females and hopefully opening the eyes of men as well, a step in the right direction for Ensler's V-Day.
