It's that time of the year for vaginas again. No, not the monthly menstrual cycle that females suffer through, but a yearly performance put on by UB students.
As part of a global campaign to stop violence against women and girls, over 1,150 colleges and communities will be staging V-day performances of "The Vagina Monologues."
Senior communication major Christina A. Joseph is directing the show this year, and she says she is extremely proud of the work that has gone into the University at Buffalo 2006 V-day campaign. In her mind, the efforts of this campaign "culminate in the form of a show."
Designed with the intent to raise awareness and empower women, this year's campaign sponsors benefit productions of "The Vagina Monologues" to serve as a fun aspect of an otherwise serious subject.
"Whatever you are expecting, you can get it and more," she said.
Two years ago, UB's drama department held performances of "The Vagina Monologues." With none of the cast or crewmembers from 2004 returning this year, Joseph and assistant director Kendal Thompson had their work cut out for them when recruiting new cast members. They had to start from scratch.
In 2004, the production consisted of five cast members. This year there is an astounding 34 cast members. Joelle Bence, president of the Women's Center and a senior women's studies major, said this year's cast was "amazing."
"They are very different from a traditional cast. They have lots of energy," Bence said.
The Women's Center is the fiscal sponsor of the show, and Bence has been involved in just about every aspect of piecing it together. Bence has overseen such fundraising efforts as the girls knitting scarves, hosting a sex-toy party, and even selling T-shirts that boldly state, "The vaginas are coming."
Bence has also been attending rehearsals of the production and she believes that even men will enjoy the performance.
"Guys will be sucked in by the humor," she said.
The underlying message of the V-day campaign has inspired a variety of individuals to take part in support of a greater cause by contributing to "The Vagina Monologues."
One of the actresses in this year's performance, Tara Viceconte, has been anxious to play her part since she first saw a performance of "The Vagina Monologues" at the age of 15. Viceconte, a senior women's studies major, plays the part of a sex worker whose verbal additives spice up the show and provide comic relief.
Rachel Elzufon was drawn to the production because she loves the concept of being a woman and everything it incorporates. Elzufon is a dance major who initially joined the cast to have fun, but came to find a greater purpose.
"It wouldn't have been as much of a priority if it didn't involve stopping violence against women," she said.
Performances will be held Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Woldman Conference Theater in Norton Hall. There will also be an encore performance March 4, sponsored by the UB Progressive Law Society.
For more information on the V-day campaign, check out .
