Less than a week before the lovers' holiday Valentine's Day, a group of women on campus will be performing to teach people about love -- but dating tips won't be on the agenda. Instead, cast members of "The Vagina Monologues" said they hope to educate audiences on loving themselves.

As part of the annual V-Day benefit -- a global event founded by playwright Eve Ensler to increase awareness about violence against women -- the Society of Women Students and Supporters will host two performances of the award-winning play.

After debuting off-Broadway in 1996, the episodic play has become an international phenomenon -- with major stars like Calista Flockhart and Jane Fonda taking the stage, a television version featured on HBO, and new monologues added every year.

"The Vagina Monologues" is returning to OU this year with a diverse cast of community theatre actors, students, and local activists. Jessica Thiessen, University College freshman, who plays a part in one of the monologues, said she was surprised to find herself in an ensemble alongside her high school acting instructor.

Vagina Monologues

o 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom and 8 p.m. Thursday in Meacham Auditorium.

o Tickets are $6 or $5 with a donation of a toiletry item for the Women's Resource Center.

o The production benefits the V-Day Foundation.

Source: The Society of Women Students

"There are all different kinds of women in the show, which is reflective of the theme," she said. "[The Vagina Monologues] really looks at so many different aspects of womanhood."

The subjects of the monologues range from the lighthearted to the serious and profound. "My Angry Vagina" is a humorous piece where a woman complains about tampons and other inanimate threats; in "My Vagina Was My Village," the testimonials from Bosnian women who were victim to rape camps are read aloud; and in this year's edition, the play explores transgendered issues.

Hillary LaReau, nursing junior, who grew up in a somewhat socially conservative background where open discussion about one's body -- much less identity -- wasn't exactly promoted, said being in "The Vagina Monologues" helped her explore some issues about her own womanhood.

"I really identified with my character who goes to a vagina workshop to find out more about herself," she said. "It's really a funny monologue -- you'll fall out of your chair laughing -- but it also says a lot about being a woman, and enjoying all the things that come with being one."

Although the monologues are geared around women's bodies and issues, LaReau said that there's something to be gained for men as well.

"It gives an insight into what women are thinking," she said.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, there is perhaps never a more appropriate time to educate heterosexual bachelors.
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