Students Perform Biblical Vagina Monologues
Since its inception in 1998, Eve Ensler’s play ”The Vagina Monologues” has stirred tremendous controversy. A collection of sixteen monologues featuring the voices of diverse women, the play intends to “celebrate the vagina” and empower women. Some Christian churches and officials, however, have accused the play of promoting an “unbiblical” and “vulgar” outlook on women’s sexuality.
To evaluate these claims, six Alma students undertook a semester-long independent study with Kate Blanchard, assistant professor of religion, called the “Biblical Vagina Monologues.” Each student pursued independent research on feminist biblical criticism and one female figure in the Christian Bible. After writing an exegesis paper on a biblical passage and character, the students wrote and performed a monologue.
All six performances can be viewed on YouTube. As one might expect, the monologues contain adult language and may not be suitable for all viewers. However, the students’ hope is that these monologues will encourage audience members to educate themselves, both about the Bible (a highly influential book in American culture, even for those who don’t believe in it), and about violence against women in all its many forms.
For more information on women’s issues on campus, check out the MacCurdy House website, or for more information on The Vagina Monologues and Eve Ensler’s global campaign to end violence against women, check out the V-Day website.
