Auditions for the award winning Vagina Monologues were held Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:00 p.m in the Cauthen Educational Media Center’s (CEMC) auditorium. Hosted by the theatre department, female students were invited to audition by reading sample monologues.
The Vagina Monologues are a collection of monologues focusing on women’s empowerment written by Eve Ensler. The monologues were based on interviews that Ensler did with over 200 women.
Mecca Butler, sophomore sociology major, said that she always heard great things about the monologues and as a result, chose to audition.
Mallory Braboy, senior English major, decided to audition for the monologues because she thought it was interesting.
“I’ve always heard people say interesting things about it,” Brayboy said. “I just wanted to be part of women empowerment.”
The auditioners had a few minutes to read over the provided monologues and were then asked to perform their selected monologues in front of the group. The participants performed an array of emotional monologues and showed their acting abilities. Many of the monologues focused on a woman’s personal experience from abuse to sexual experiences.
In it’s seventh year, the presentation of the monologues have brought students, faculty and the Florence community out to view the actresses communicate these stories.
Student Director Katelyn Lamb believes that the Vagina Monologues are working towards helping women’s situations.
“It’s really about spreading awareness about the problems women go through,” Lamb said. “Many people don’t know even how many women are raped or abused each year.”
Lamb stated that this year’s monologues will feature stories that focus on different types of experiences women have gone through. A monologue the audience will view entitled “My Vagina Was My Village,” is a monologue about a rape victim. She says that many of the monologues will have comedic elements, but are on real topics.
Dr. Dawn Larsen, associate professor of theatre at FMU believes that the Vagina Monologues were created to bring awareness for violence against women and girls. She said that two years ago South Carolina was ranked No. 1 in the number of women killed by men.
“For me I think that’s why it’s important it comes to Francis Marion,” Larsen said. “At least one person comes up to me or the faculty committee and realize they can take steps to get out of their current situation.”
According to Larsen, Ensler named the stories “Vagina Monologues” as so as a way to bring the word “vagina” into everyday language. She said Enlser wants it be as normal as saying “foot” or “fingers.”
The Vagina Monologues take place during the V-Week. Larsen said this will be “grand finale event of V-Week.” The first performance will be March 27 at 7:30 p.m on campus, and the second performance will be March 29 at 7:30 p.m at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) in the Black Box Theatre.