Franklin Pierce promotes change with Vagina Monologues

by Cas Szulc and Eben Gourlay
edited by Shawn Anzalone

Spagnuolo Hall was at full capacity Wednesday, February 14th at 8 p.m. for the Vagina Monologues.

(Photo: Hanna Burke)

Nearly 250 students attended the Vagina Monologues at Franklin Pierce University as the event aimed to bring awareness to women’s issues. Event coordinator Kathryn Cunningham said, “The goal of the Monologues is to bring awareness to the very real issues that women and transgender women face on a daily basis.”

The performances aimed to introduce these topics in a humorous yet empowering way that helped deliver the message to its audience while encouraging conversations that can sometimes be uncomfortable, according to Cunningham. “Some things are uncomfortable, but changing society can be uncomfortable and that’s what the monologues aim to start, a change,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham believes that being uncomfortable is something needs to be done in life. She even admitted to being uncomfortable talking about these topics, not to mention on stage in front of an audience. Encouraging people to think about these topics is the first step to making a change.

The Vagina Monologues resonated with students who attended. Sophomore Carina Dillon said, “I felt really empowered watching the performances. I would definitely recommend it to anyone for the future.”

Preparation for the event began after last year’s Vagina Monologues concluded. Practice and rehearsal played a key role in perfecting the performance on Wednesday night. Cunningham said, “Once we returned from Christmas break we were holding up to five rehearsals per week.” Cunningham received additional help preparing for the event from Dr. Donna Decker and Dr. Jess Landis.