The Vagina Monologues at Shimer College

Eileen Buchanan, Director of Theatre, presented The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler on November 10, 11, 17, and 18.  For over two years, Buchanan has anxiously anticipated Shimer’s opportunity to present this compelling work of theatre.  This Obie Award winning play originally premiered off-Broadway in 1996 as a one-woman show. Author Eve Ensler, starring as herself, read each of the monologues compiled from numerous interviews she held with women of all types.  Ensler’s Vagina Monologues inspired the formation of the V-day movement that has now raised over $30 million dollars toward the prevention of violence against women throughout the world.

Buchanan’s unique adaptation of the piece featured a cast of twelve male and female Shimer students.  The show is poetic, compelling, and humorous.  But beyond its attributes as an honest and dramatic work of theatre, the piece serves an active social role.  As Buchanan states, “Our culture has made women’s bodily functions unmentionable, while men glory in theirs. This has encouraged violence against women and fostered a deep sense of shame shared by women.  That has got to stop.  And that is why it is so important for people to see this show.” 

Performances took place on November 10, 11, 17, and 18.