The Vagina Monologues

Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues has had a lot of press, good and bad, since she first compiled her interviews into an entertaining, celebratory, moving, and thoughtful show. What's wrong with talking about something half the population have? What's the stigma here? Ou of this became V-day, against domestic violence and for the protection of women. If it takes a few monologues that make the sensitive uncomfortable to put women on the agenda again in a world where violence against women is often ignored or regarded as trivial, then it is all for the good. And what woman hasn't thought about most of the issues in Ensler's work, even if she's never said it? The film version is a good record of a brave piece of theatre, but to get the full effect see a mixed cast, see a local performance, just don't dismiss it.

Very funny, witty, uplifting, and empowering without being overbearing, depressing, or militant. I've recommended it to almost all my friends. I was told that it was nothing but "feminazi man bashing" by someone who obviously wasn't paying attention to the message the monologues are trying to send, before I saw this. This is about women having pride in their womanhood, not being a feminist and hating men and blaming men for all the problems in the world. I felt very good after viewing The Vagina Monologues.

I've always been a fan of The Vagina Monologues, and even did a few for a speech competition in high school, but I don't think that Eve does the greatest job with some of the monologues. The film version didn't match up to a live production that I saw in my hometown. See The Vagina Monologues live to get the full effect. It feels more universal with 20 women onstage, rather than one.

I have a strong suspicion the comments below were written by a man. This show definately isn't for everyone, but to call it revolting only makes Ms. Ensler's point--that there is such a ridiculous stigma and mystery attached to a woman's sexuality. Men talk freely and frequently about their equipment, I find it amusing that the idea of a woman discussing hers is considered so tasteless.

It didn't leave me wanting to start a revolution--I didn't feel like marching in a parade after seeing this, I didn't want to shout VAGINA from the rooftops...instead, I enjoyed some often hysterical, sometimes tragic and overall witty dialogue.

And it is funny, there's no way around that. The list of different moans is worth the price of admission alone. It's educational as well--did you know the clitoris is the only organ that serves no purpose other than to give please and contains twice as many nerve endings as the penis? As Ms. Ensler says, "Why want a handgun when you can have a semiautomatic?"

The Vagina Monologues, both in book and visual form, is one of the most moving experiences of our times. An attempt to enlighten, entertain and to bring a "taboo" out of the shadows. Why women talking about their sexuality should be considered taboo in the first place escapes me but some of the comments here (especially the ones labelling it "disgusting") seem to be written by people still trapped in the 1950s. The Vagina Monologues is a heartfelt celebration of female sexuality and a condemnation of those who attempt to supress it. Alternating between humor (the list of slang names for the vagina) and more disturbing material (the rape material) the film attempts to take in all aspects and attitudes. A compelling achievement.