2008 Woodie Awards
Entertainment value, and a promotion for change
"The Vagina Monologues" did not disappoint its viewers, presenting humor, as well as a strong moral
Nika Megino
Issue date: 2/18/05 Section: No Limits
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Presented by the Gnosis Theatre Company, and directed by Jordan England and Liz Tachella at the Vino Con Brio Winery at the Amorosa Vineyard, "The Vagina Monologues" was definitely worth seeing.
In an hour and a half, the play not only entertains and informs. It also promotes change. "The Vagina Monologues" is associated with the V-day organization, which is a non-profit whose purpose is to raise awareness of violence against women and raise money to help those who suffer from it. It is by far most honest to truth play I have ever encountered.
The location where "The Vagina Monologues" was presented was not completely comfortable, with the folding chairs and confined venue. However, the discomfort disappeared when the play began, for the dialogue truly brings the play to life and is the only thing that matters.
The set was simple. It consists of one black folding chair, a black stool, and a black curtain as a backdrop. Costumes were basic all-black outfits with red feather boas. The ensemble had note cards.
It starts off with basic terminology: "Let's start with the word 'vagina.' It sounds like an infection at best, maybe a medical instrument: 'Hurry nurse, bring me the vagina.' It doesn't matter how many times you say it, it never sounds like a word you want to say. It's a totally ridiculous, completely unsexy word."
The play continues with hilarious skits about the female anatomy, the arrival of a woman's first menstruation, women who come to realize their sexuality, their whole being, and their empowerment. Nonetheless, as much as it made the venue fill with the audience's laughter, it brought on quite a few tears when it touched on serious matters.
Rape was mentioned in a dramatic scene known as "My Vagina Was My Village." It is the story of a Bosnian refugee recalling her traumatic experience of rape during wartime. It was also mentioned in another scene where a woman recalls how she was raped at the age of 10 by her father's best friend.