“Vagina!”

That’s right, vagina. As an audience member at the production "The Vagina Monologues", one will have ample opportunity to say, shout, even chant the word.

The performance begins with the all-female cast, dressed in red and black, confidently stating over 40 words to describe “vagina.” While the words may be uncomfortable to hear at first, by the end of the first scene you’ll want to stand up and be proud with them (I speak for the ladies, here).

The monologues range from hilarious to heart wrenching as women tell their individual stories. Eve Ensler wrote the play after interviewing hundreds of women and girls about their views on sex, relationships and violence against women.

In the monologue entitled, “My Angry Vagina,” a woman explains with great fury and hilarity her frustrations with tampons and tools used by OB/GYNs. The actress’ performance provides for a solid five minutes of constant laughter.

Other monologues are incredibly emotional, particularly “My Vagina Was My Village.” This gives a first hand account of the brutality against women in the Bosnian rape camps.

In between monologues, audience members are invited to shout “Vagina!” Following the exclamation, the audience will read a “Vagina Happy Fact” (printed in the program) together. The last sentence of the happy fact reads “Who needs a handgun when you’ve got a semi-automatic?” See the show, and you will understand.

No words or topics are off limit at "The Vagina Monologues". That being said, ladies, this play is fun to see with a group of girl friends, but maybe not with a boyfriend.

But hey, if a guy can go through this play and feel educated and unembarrassed afterward, more power to him!

“The material [in "The Vagina Monologues"] is definitely shocking, but there is a purpose behind it,” said actress Danielle Price.

The production is part of the V-Day movement, which is a worldwide effort to end violence against women. It raises money and awareness about the issue through benefit theatrical productions. Eve Ensler, who wrote "The Vagina Monologues", began the V-Day movement, which has raised over 70 million dollars.

The “V” in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine, and Vagina. Talk about a new definition of Valentine’s Day. The incredible women responsible for the movement use the day as a platform for social change.

If you are a student, don’t let the $12 ticket price scare you away.

Not only will you receive a night of great performances, but also the money goes to a good cause. V-Day donates the profits of the performances to A Window Between Worlds (AWBW), a non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence express themselves through art.

Catch this weekend’s performances:
Friday 2/11 - $12 for students | $15 for general
Saturday 2/12 - $15 for students | $25 for general

Email for tickets.

For more information about V-Day, visit www.vday.org

Reach Katie Lemon here.