The Vagina Monologues

What does the word V-A-G-I-N-A mean to you? For those who are familiar with Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” (TVM), the word itself can mean bliss, destruction, love and hate, all at the same time.

Ensler is an American performer, writer and women’s rights activist. Her internationally-acclaimed play has been translated into 48 different languages and performed in over 180 countries. Residents of Gwangju will have the extraordinary chance to watch the play for its third consecutive year next month. Performers from both the Korean and international community are excited to share the touching stories from the original script.

The monologues depict real-life tales by the women who were willing to share about their private lives and parts 18 years ago for Ensler’s research. Performing this play back in 1998 inspired Ensler to create a special annual event known as “V-Day,” with the “V” meaning: Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

This year’s director, Amanda Serrano, joined the previous Gwangju cast in 2013 via an overseas video audition, since she had not yet moved to Korea. “It was definitely jumping in head first, but it was a great way to connect with my new community, make friends and keep busy! It gave me a sense of home and place before I even stepped foot in Korea,” she said.

Being this year’s leader of the play’s performers, the most important thing for Serrano is community-building and having the local and expat population come together out of shared interest and desire to affect positive changes. There is also an element of fun to it for Serrano and for all the ladies involved.

February 14 is V-Day’s One Billion Rising event. As a global activist movement, Serrano shared that the eventwill “unite us with several sister events taking place around the world.  It allows all genders to reflect on how humanity may bring about a positive change within their own communities and, contributing to a global group in which everyone can live safely and free of violence.” One Billion Rising began in 2012 in conjunction with V-Day efforts and events, with individuals in more than 190 countries holding thousands of events to raise awareness.

TVM brings awareness about sexual violence that is vital for Korea, where only 1 in 9 rapes that occur are reported and more than 15 percent of married women experience domestic violence and abuse.

Participants like Jo Eun-ju, a Gwangju resident, hope to shift societal attitudes about gender and the issues of violence surrounding many women throughout the world.Jo explained, “TVM is important [because] people really don’t recognize how badly women are treated in our society. I think we should bring the awareness on womenwho are always at the weak sides in our system. I don’t want to be protected. I just want to be respected as a member of society.”

The play itself is an emotional rollercoaster, bringing audiences to laughter and tears in the same evening.

Although the play’s script remains consistent internationally from year to year, new spotlight pieces are occasionally added. This year’s performance has something new to offer to everyone, even those familiar with the play. The 2014 performances will include two new monologues for Gwangju audiences, including “One Billion Will Rise for Justice” which was highlighted by the One Billion Rising campaign.

Gwangju residents are welcome to join the fundraising events taking place all month long, with proceeds going towards the venue and associated production fees. On Saturday, February 8, German Bar will host a “V-Word Open Mic-Night,” where performers will share music, poetry and more. A “Hash Run” will be announced via Facebook and will take place at the end of February. Therun will include several pit stops for bar service from the ladies who are participating in the play. They will be creating their own alcoholic concoctions such as the ever-popular “Coochie Snorcher” and “The Angry Vagina!”.Proceeds from ticket sales after the March performances will be donated to women’s organizations.

Dates and locations for the upcoming 2014 Vagina Monologues productions will be announced in early February via social media and local news sources.