Every year around Valentine’s Day, college campuses across the country stage performances of The Vagina Monologues to raise money for organizations that protect and advocate for women. At Springfield College, the annual production ran from Feb. 19–21, drawing students, faculty and community members together for a cause rooted in awareness and action.
The show, organized by Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.), is based on the work of Eve Ensler, whose collection of monologues explores sexuality, body image, domestic violence and empowerment. Originally performed off-Broadway and later staged internationally, the piece is constructed from interviews with more than 200 women and has been performed from New York stages to countries across the world.
Designed to be humorous and break the stigma around discussing female reproductive rights, The Vagina Monologues takes the audience through different emotional ranges, from ironic laughter to sobering reflection. This year’s production donated its proceeds toward ending period poverty — working to make menstrual products less expensive and more accessible to those who need them most.
Between solo acts and scenes featuring the entire club, the performance highlighted different monologues from Ensler’s collection. The impact has been immense, and the meaning resonates deeply with those participating. Junior Skylar Prinzhorn is one of the more vocal activists on campus and has participated in The Vagina Monologues both years since transferring from the University of Hartford.
“The overall message of Vaginas means to me building an on-campus community that aims to empower and build each other up,” Prinzhorn said. “Especially now it’s so important for women to identify and lean into these spaces. Community and joy are what stands in the face of hardship and using them as an act of resistance sends a transformative message.”
Another student, Kayla Angrand, said her purpose in participating was to showcase the different ways women show up for each other.
“It’s always so common for women to be brought down by others,” Angrand said. “But sharing stories and experiences of one another and finding their uplifting moments in sad times brings so much community.”
Audience engagement extended beyond the stage. One of the favorite traditions each year is the opportunity to purchase themed T-shirts in support of the program. This year’s shirt featured a pickle relaxing in a beach chair with the slogan “Chill out, eat a vagina.” Last year’s design was a play on the well-known Klondike Bar slogan, continuing the trend of mixing humor with advocacy.
“My favorite shirt of my time here was last year’s,” Prinzhorn said, adding that she felt the message was empowering and, while funny, challenged people to advocate for vaginas and be willing to step up for women.
The annual production will return to campus next Valentine’s season with a new selection of monologues and a renewed focus. Angrand predicted future performances “could be related toward growth and change or about the future and community,” continuing the show’s mission of awareness, empowerment and collective action.
Photo courtesy of @sc.vaginamonologues/Instagram