Virginia Wolf once infamously said that, “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” This is a sentiment that is both quite unfortunate, yet quite true. When I first heard of The Vagina Monologues, like many of you, my curiosity was sparked. But, why? My curiosity was sparked because of the word ‘Vagina’. I mean, it shouldn’t of had that impact on me, considering I have grown up with one, have learned how it functions, and hear synonyms for it every time a rap or pop song comes on, but nonetheless it was a catalyst for a reaction. After hearing about it I began doing research, tons of it. Had I not, I would have been so ignorant and unaware of the its vital cause.
The Vagina Monologues is not just an episodic play that was written by Eve Ensler in the mid 1990s, but it is a production that authentically shares different aspects of the feminine experience. From sex, to rape, menstruation, birth, orgasms, female genital mutilations, and love, the vagina is presented as a tool of female empowerment, and rightfully so. This production enables myself, along with the rest of the cast, to be the median through which these stories of anonymous women can be shared, and more importantly, heard. The most breathtaking thing about it is that although they are not our personal stories, every woman is able to connect to the story of at least one other woman, even is she may be anonymous.
But the Vagina Monologues do not just stop there. This production having been presented in the international arena has helped launch V-Day. For those of you who don’t know, V-Day is a global non-profit movement, one that has raised over $100 million thus far, for groups who have made it their mission to end violence against girls and women. The way the numbers stand now, nearly 70% of women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime from an intimate partner. Of all the women killed each year, almost half were killed by an intimate partner and/or family member. And of of the married women today, 700 million were married off when they were just a child.
Sometimes I wonder and marvel at the thought that each women lives her life with a million little stories, and for some, they leave this world with a million little stories. The Vagina Monologues allows for us share some of these stories in hopes of not only touching your hearts, but also touching your minds. That you walk away enlightened, provoked, impassioned, and aware of some of the struggles women, and people, like you have gone through. Whether you personally identify as a woman, came from a woman, or just like women, there is something for you to take away.
It has been said, “Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn’t worth ruling.” I believe that moving forward in the future, forces, such as the Vagina Monologues, have the power to create a kingdom that is worth ruling. A kingdom where each woman appreciates her unique beauty. Where each woman realizes the abilities she possesses . Where each woman is given the love and respect she deserves. And where women begin to look at each other like the sisters we are. I have been so blessed and fortunate to have been born into the life I was, but that does not mean I shouldn’t fight for my sister counter part that may be on the other side of the world, currently being denied education, or the right to choose whether or not she gets cut. The Vagina Monologues is one avenue that has enabled me to make a dent in this world, and all the women it encapsulates. Maybe one day we will have a world where there isn’t an anonymous.
– Dolores Sinistaj
Originally from Montenegro, Dolores moved to the States when she was young and is from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She currently is a senior at MSU who is double majoring in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy and International Relations. When she’s not at rehearsal she is busy with Model UN, and is currently the MSU Senior Class President. She hopes to continue her passion in women and gender studies by pursuing International Law at a law school in DC!
