Women’s Initiative would like to thank Eagle Columnist Alex Knepper for his gracious promotion of the Vagina Monologues in his recent column. The Vagina Monologues are one of AU’s longest running traditions; this year’s performance marks the 10th year it has been performed on campus. Hundreds of AU students have been involved in the productions, and ticket sales have generated thousands of dollars in donations to local non-profits working to end violence against women like the D.C. Rape Crisis Center and the local office of the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, as well as V-Day International, which aids women and girls around the world. The show is truly the embodiment of AU’s Statement of Common Purpose to turn ideas into action and action into service, and we are proud that so much could be accomplished and so many lives touched on such a small budget. This year, we are also happy to expand our V-Day events to include our “Directors’ Cut” show, which showcases the stories and voices of members of our own community around the issues raised by The Vagina Monologues, and the V-Men Campaign, which will empower and engage men in generating ideas and action to end violence against women and girls for good. The TVM Cast service project to assist the District Alliance for Safe Housing, which places survivors of domestic violence in safe housing, is also open to any volunteers interested in getting involved.
Unfortunately, Knepper neglected to mention the dates and times of this year’s show. The Vagina Monologues will be staged on Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. nightly in the University Club in Mary Graydon Center. Tickets cost only $8 for students and $10 for community members and will be available starting Feb. 17 each weekday at the tables in MGC. All proceeds from this year’s show will benefit Women Empowered Against Violence, which provides legal, counseling, economic, and educational services to help survivors of domestic violence achieve safety and lead empowered lives, and the Domestic Violence Resource Project, which provides advocacy, awareness, educational, and support resources regarding domestic violence for members of the D.C. metro area’s Asian and Pacific Islander community. Tickets always sell out quickly, so make sure to pick yours up as soon as possible.
Leah Gates Director of Vagina Monologues Women’s Initiative
