5th November
5 stars
The Vagina Monologues, written by Eve Ensler are still as relevant as ever. Based on interviews with 200 women, the aim is to challenge our culture where women are still embarrassed to talk of their genitalia. Many haven’t even seen their own parts and most are still likely to think of their vagina as a separate entity altogether. Ensler has successfully been showing the ridiculousness of the embedded attitudes of societies world wide for over a decade in the hope of increasing women’s confidence.
The Manchester production at the Lowry stars Sarah Jayne Dunn, Sally Lindsay and Lisa Riley. Together they take on roles of women of all ages and races. Bluntly they tell of things all women think but for some reason find it difficult to say. Most moments are hilarious (‘my vagina would wear a sat-nav!’) yet some are heart wrenching, above all the monologue of the Bosnian rape victim.
It seems that once women were asked to talk about their vagina they could not shut up! Even the audience, after 10 minutes of getting used to the crude tone, began shouting out. Pandora’s box was opened and women were empowered…
As a member of the audience you find yourself wanting to shout, “I have a vagina, not a foof, or a front bottom or a monkey box…a VAGINA.” It is eye opening to think that in the 21st century, the most sexual age yet, a woman’s vagina is still a taboo. In fact it is saddening to see.
All the stories told are personal and help to define who a person is. Many express psychological problems yet girls do not generally discuss the vagina as being part of them. Yes, there is talk of sex, but the actual vagina is not spoken of. (Unless you have met a “Bob”, a rare man in one of the monologues who likes to look at the vagina.)
The Vagina Monologues are witty, sharp and relatable. Overall, a fabulous experience.
The Vagina Monologues are currently touring the UK.
