The Voices from below: Vag speak

If your vagina could talk, what would it say? "The Vagina Monologues," the notorious and celebrated play written by Eve Ensler, seeks to answer that question through a series of monologues about various women's vagina-centric experiences.

UCCS will be putting on three V-Day showings of "The Vagina Monologues" on Feb. 11, 12 and 13 to raise money for TESSA, a local community action group that provides programs for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Teller and El Paso County.

"This show is my way of helping other women get through certain things. It's the little piece that I can do. All the money is donated to TESSA which means a lot because I know women who have been abused and in unhealthy relationships," said Anya Salzgeber, one of the shows' three directors. Salzgeber has been involved with the annual "Vagina Monologues" performances for three years, but this year will be her first time directing.

While the title and the idea of empowering women may seem a little daunting to some people, Salzbeger said there is a lot more to it than one may assume. "Everyone should see this show," said Salzgeber, "The title can be a little intimidating, but everyone should come out and see it and experience it for themselves."

The play, originally performed in 1996, seeks to elevate women through stories about and involving vaginas. The subjects run from menstruation to rape, pubic hair to childbirth, and everything in between.

"The show is a huge eye-opener for a lot of things," said Salzgeber. Some of the monologues are funny and some of them are heart-breaking, but the show leaves its audience with a sense of vagina pride, which, sadly, isn't a common emotion said Salzgeber.

"For me, it's kind of a different kind of empowerment," Salzgeber replied, "It's nice to have a voice for women when I know a lot of women don't."

In 1998, Ensler began "V-Day," a global non-profit initiative that helps raise money for women's anti-violence groups using "The Vagina Monologues" as a vehicle. "V-Day" gathers in February and is something of a tradition in many communities, but especially on college campuses.

Every year, especially for "V-Day," Ensler composes a new monologue for the play as a special spotlight piece.

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. in the UCCS Gallery of Contemporary Art (GOCA). Tickets are $10 for the community or $5 with a UCCS ID. There will be free parking available in Lot 3. The play is sponsored by UCCS Residence Life and House, GOCA, and UCCS Parking and Transportation.