The first performance of Ohio University’s Vagina Monologues brought more than 100 audience members to laughter, shock and even tears.
“I think it went phenomenally, honestly it went above and beyond all my expectations because I think the cast got very inspired, they had a lot of good energy,” said Hannah Stanton-Gockel, director of the show. “I think the audience really enjoyed it … I’m very pleased with how it turned out.”
The lightheartedness of the show began early with an introduction by Stanton-Gockel.
The monologues slowly became more serious in nature as the show progressed. Topics such as rape, pedophilia, lesbianism and giving birth were among some of the later performances.
The show ended with its spotlight monologue, “Rising,” performed by Kombe Kapatamoyo. The monologue focused on the One Billion Rising campaign and the fact that one in three women in the world will be beaten or raped.
“I was nervous but I was listening to myself, and I was listening to what I was saying and it just filled me up with sorrow and joy and at the same time and it just made me vulnerable, yet powerful in front of people,” Kapatamoyo said. “It felt like I was just talking to a friend of mine or my sister or my brother and just telling them we need to do something about this.”
A video was then shown from One Billion Rising, depicting the issues that women deal with on a daily basis.
“Just treat people the way you would want to be treated,” said Adam Cesarz, who attended the show. “I know it’s simple, but really, it’s really just about being a good person.”
Ending the rendition, the performers stood together, some shouting reasons to join the fight.
“I think (the show) went really well,” said Audrey Imes, a performer in the Vagina Monologues. “I think it was energetic and yet so laid back and intimate and personal, I thought it went perfectly.”
je726810@ohiou.edu
