University of Windsor law students present The Vagina Monologues
U.S. President Donald Trump once referred to a certain part of the female anatomy in a crass way — but for some University of Windsor law students, there’s nothing vulgar about their vaginas.
On Wednesday at the Capitol Theatre (121 University Ave. West), female law students will once again lead a production of the feminist play The Vagina Monologues.
“Women’s issues are human issues,” said Tori-Lee Jenkins, the 24-year-old director of this year’s edition.
“This play has been performed so many times by so many women, from Kerry Washington to high school students to grandmothers. I think the message is universal: Women’s voices are important. Especially right now.”
It’s the ninth year that University of Windsor law students have put on the play.
Originally written by New York City playwright Eve Ensler in 1996, the award-winning drama involves multiple women taking turns on the stage to speak about the feminine experience.
Jenkins said Wednesday night’s production will feature a cast of 35 women.
“I saw the production when I was in my first year of law school, and I was really inspired by it,” she said. “In my second year, I was in the production. Now, for my third and graduating year, I’m going to be directing it.”
Tickets for the production are $15, available at the door. Ninety per cent of all proceeds will go to the Windsor-Essex Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
The remaining 10 per cent will go to V-Day — the global non-profit movement aimed at ending violence against women.
Anchal Bhatia, the chair of the production, said the play will always be relevant. “I think it’s very important women feel comfortable talking about themselves and their intimate experiences ... I think the Monologues are a very beautiful way to do that.”
Women’s issues have been particularly in the news as of late thanks to the ascendance of President Trump. On Jan. 21, the Women’s March on Washington D.C. drew at least 500,000 protesters — among them Bhatia.
“I think it’s extremely important (to keep these issues on the forefront),” Bhatia said. “When you use the arts, you’re able to bring more people on board ... The Monologues create a bridge for people to connect on these issues.”
Despite Trump’s past comments about women and their anatomy, Bhatia doesn’t think society is regressing on female issues.
“To say ‘regression’ means we’re taking steps backwards. But I think that (attitude) is always there. We just like to assume we’ve moved past it.”
The Vagina Monologues will be performed on Wednesday night at the Capitol Theatre (121 University Ave. West). Doors open 8:30 p.m. and the show begins 9 p.m.
Tickets are $15. Make a direct donation via tilt.com. Those interested in supporting the cause are also invited to buy tickets for Windsor Law’s fundraising raffle.