V-Day Annual Report 2017 - RISE FOR WOMEN WORKERS 1 | Page 10

V-DAY ACTIVISTS IN THE NEWS & LEADING THE CONVERSATION
For nineteen years, activists have been producing benefit
productions of The Vagina Monologues and other artistic pieces
to raise awareness and funds to end violence against women.
This year, communities have rallied around the annual event,
energized by the global resistance movement and eager for an
artistic expression of solidarity. Sarah Rebell of The Interval
profiled the play, organizers on college campuses in red states, and
Eve Ensler in her piece V-Day in “V-Day in TrumpLand: Exploring the
Relevance of “The Vagina Monologues”” Locally, organizers, audiences and
local media have been exploring
similar questions, connection, and
the importance of art and activism:
“I wondered if The Vagina Monologues had a significant impact
on college campuses this year, particularly in red states. Did
those young women feel that they too were coming into their own
power, or did they feel stifled by the supporters of our country’s
pussy-grabbing “predator?” In the days surrounding Trump’s
inauguration, I spoke with students involved in V-Day productions
of The Vagina Monologues on campuses in red states and swing
states in the heart of the country: Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These eleven women range
from freshmen to graduate students pursuing law degrees and
PhDs. Some are theatre majors, but most approached The Vagina
Monologues from an activist’s perspective.” IN FLORIDA
IN ALASKA
A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant,
and a Prayer a ‘catalyst’ for
opening minds
‘The Vagina Monologues’ is playing
in Miami.
IN GERMANY
Life In Berlin: Ending Violence
Against Women Through V-Day
IN NEW YORK
‘The Vagina Monologues’ grabs
back for V-Day