This Friday night, genitalia will be discussed at great length.
"The Vagina Monologues" will once again be performed on campus and will address issues of femininity, sexuality and acceptance.
The annual performance is produced by Tufts students in coordination with the Women's Center and features monologues about - you guessed it - vaginas. The stories told on stage are more than a sex guide or how-to manual. Rape, menstruation, masturbation, sex and birth are only a few of the topics addressed. The monologues range from funny and heartwarming to poignant and sad.
"I think [seeing the show] is important because people tend to forget about the stigma placed on women and their bodies," said sophomore Danielle Hauser, producer of the show. "It helps people get over the fact that women can't talk about their vaginas."
While the female body and its place in society are the focus of "The Vagina Monologues," Hauser doesn't think men should be turned off by the performance.
"I think guys like it," she said. "I think they would be able to understand where the women in the show are coming from, and if not, the show will help them to understand."
This year's performance will be staged differently than past productions. After giving their monologues, actresses will remain on stage, sitting together on stools.
"Everyone's going to be really intimate," Hauser said. "We want it to be really like a community."
The performance will be preceded by Vulvapalooza, a free tabling event in Cohen Auditorium similar to this Monday's Sex on the Hill event in the campus center. Various non-profit organizations will distribute information on sexual health, safety and fun.
"The Vagina Monologues" will be performed Friday and Saturday in Cohen. Tickets are $8, and all proceeds go to Elizabeth House, a women's shelter.
