Another year of vaginas showcased at David

Ladies, get your boyfriends to put away their PlayStations and make them come out to watch… Ladies, get your boyfriends to put away their PlayStations and make them come out to watch “The Vagina Monologues” with you this weekend. It’s not a long walk to David Lawrence Hall. But if your begging doesn’t work, then grab a couple of your close girlfriends to see Eve Ensler’s creation.

In case you’re unfamiliar with these nationwide performances, “The Vagina Monologues” is simply one venue for the V-Day movement.

V-Day is a non-profit global group created to raise awareness in stopping violence against women and girls. Your money goes to programs and organizations formed to fight the violence.

In case you were curious, the “V” in V-Day does not stand for Valentine’s. Instead, the “V” symbolizes Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” is translated in more than 25 languages around the world and was responsible for the start of the V-Day movement itself.

Devoting her life to stopping violence against women and girls, Ensler wishes to see a world free of abuse one day. Her message comes from her personal experience with violence.

“The Vagina Monologues” draws from Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women, originating out of conversations from women who approached her after her show. They spoke of their own experiences, which Ensler uses to reach out to her audiences.

These performances and V-Day itself have gotten their attention. In its first five years, the V-Day movement raised $14 million. In 2002, $7 million was raised. These are outstanding statistics for a project that continues to grow fast.

If you’re hoping to become more cultured and contribute to a meaningful benefit, then go out and see “The Vagina Monologues” this weekend. Raise awareness to stop the violence.

Your proceeds benefit The Women’s Center ‘ Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and The Missing and Murdered Women of Juarez, Mexico fund.

Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” will be presented at David Lawrence Hall in rooms 120 and 121. Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 with student ID and $10 without student ID. Tickets can be purchased at the William Pitt Union box office or at the door.