Street sat down with College seniors Greer Longer and Kimberly Rust, the director and producer of The Vagina Monologues (part of Penn's larger V-Day effort). We learned that when it comes to raising awareness, shouting obscenities on Locust Walk is fair game.
Street: How do you think that the concept of The Vagina Monologues contributes to raising awareness about women's issues?
Kimberly Rust: We've worn our Vagina Monologues shirts everywhere for the past couple of weeks, and they always start conversation. The problem is that people don't talk about violence against women and sexual assault because they think it's socially awkward. When people leave the show and start talking about it, that's really the first step. Before we can reduce sexual assault and rape, we need people to start thinking about these issues and making them a part of their daily language.
Street: How does directing this performance differ from directing a traditional play?
Greer Longer: Well, we have so many people on stage, and people of so many different backgrounds. We have cast members who have never been on stage before. We have cast members who've only been on stage before doing the Vagina Monologues. And then we have people who have strong theater backgrounds, either as majors or minors or as actors in high school or professional productions. It's really a varied cast.
Street: What kind of role does humor play in the show?
GL: Humor is a big part of the show. I think that with such a heavy topic, the best way to reach people is with humor. The monologues are equal parts humorous and serious - and even the serious ones have humor in them. Nothing in the show is meant to be so serious that people just shut themselves off. Humor really makes people more comfortable when they're watching the show.
Street: Do you think that a show with "vagina" in the title scares anybody away?
GL: Yes - men (laughs).
Street: Do you think that's a bad thing? Does that take away from trying to raise awareness?
KR: It's provocative. We've been wearing our shirts, we've been standing on Locust Walk screaming "vagina," and there are those guys that kind of laugh, but they're interested. And then there are those guys - the minority - who aren't as open to the idea, but still joke with us, screaming things like "Penis monologues!"
Street: Does the show change very much from year to year?
KR: You see something different every time you see it because of the different people involved and the different interpretations of the monologue, and that's what always blows me away.
Street: Do you think men and women find the show equally enjoyable?
GL: I want to say "yes," but I think the correct answer would be that women get more out of it. Women are more involved in these issues than men, so whatever men get out of it, I think is great. In general, they're not as attuned to these issues; they're not a part of their everyday lives. I'm just happy for men to come and sit there with open minds.
Street: Any parting thoughts?
GL: I would just urge everyone - no matter if you're male or female, or straight or gay or lesbian - to come see the show. It doesn't matter what category you fall under, you will definitely take something away.
