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by Allie Jarrell, MSU Journalism student

Vagina

As an only child from a small, conservative farming community, this word was once taboo for sophomore Makena Schultz, but that changed when she landed her debut role as an actress in the Vagina Monologues. It was during her high school involvement in Michigan Youth and Government that she first heard about V-Day, a global, non-profit organization sponsored by the Monologues. Since then, both organizations have greatly impacted the Environmental Studies and Agricultural Science major's life, and her transition into college.

“I saw a flyer for the Monologues at one of the public posting boards last year, and because I had been following V-Day for awhile I already knew what the Monologues were, so I was really excited to go,” Makena said. “Then this year I found them at Sparticipation.”

After seeing the play, Makena made it her goal to be involved in the production this year. So she decided to audition.

“I was never in theatre when I was in high school, so the audition process was a really good experience in itself. It was a part of me that hadn’t spoken out before. Once I started reading my audition monologue, that part of me spoke up and it was powerful for me,” she said. “And then I got a part, which was even better.” 

The Vagina Monologues, written and first performed by Eve Ensler in 1996, are about female empowerment, individuality, and the prevention of violence against women. The play was inspired by interviews that Ensler conducted with women from all over the world about sex, love, relationships, violence, and the perception of vaginas. The proceeds from the monologues benefit a region chosen by V-Day, which has helped raise over $50 million for women’s anti-violence groups.

“This year 90 percent of our profits are going to Eve Inc., which is the only domestic violence shelter in Lansing, and 10 percent of our profits will go to the V-Day organization,” Makena said. “Then they send it all to their spotlight group, which this year is the Democratic Republic of Congo. The goal is to help their women who are getting sexually abused, raped, and mutilated as a part of war tactics. So we’re trying to help out here and there.” 

Makena and the rest of the cast are now rehearsing to perform the Monologues this February at the Wharton Center . According to Makena, the play is the prefect medium for identifying issues facing women today regarding domestic violence, abuse, and self-awareness.

Being a part of the monologues has been more than educational for Makena, as it’s also provided her with a tight-knit community after a tough transition last year from Onsted to East Lansing. She sees the cast and directors as her new family who support and accept her. After being comforted during an emotional rehearsal, Makena knew that she had finally found the community of friends she had been seeking.

 “All of us girls were talking about why we joined the monologues, and I said that I was looking for a tight-knit community,” she said. “I was really upset and even the directors came over and hugged me and said, ‘We’re your family now.’ I feel like in a college setting people can say, ‘We’re your family,’ but I could never really feel that. So it’s not only a fabulous cause, but it’s also helping me with finding support in my life.”

Makena’s advice for those who want to get involved with the Vagina Monologues or V-Day is to be aware of the options available: If you want to be a part of the play, but you don’t want to be on stage, there are other ways to help, like advertising and fundraising to get the word out. You can also visit their website and register to become a part of V-Day, have a dialogue with other members, or even produce your own version of the monologues.

In the end, it wasn’t her involvement with 4H or love of photography and dance that gave her a feeling of acceptance. According to Makena, it doesn’t matter who you are or what your story is; everyone is welcome to become a part of the Vagina Monologues on campus. 

“There will be a time in everyone’s life when they’ll need to share their story, and I feel like the monologues and the community we have is a really good place to do that,” she said. “Not only is it a support system, but it’s also a really great listening ear. We would never turn anyone away. We always want to get as many vagina soldiers out there as we can.”

Get involved and make a difference!

• Performances of the Vagina Monologues are scheduled for February 12-13, 2010: Click here for ticket information.
• V-Week is February 7-14, 2010:
• MSU Safe Place for those suffering from domestic violence: https://www.msu.edu/~safe/mission.htm