USI performances of Vagina Monologues raise funds and awareness for local organization

The University of Southern Indiana will host its eighth annual V-Day USI performance of Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25 and Friday, February 27 in the Wright Administration Building, Forum II. Doors open at 6:40 p.m. and tickets may be purchased at the door for $7. Funds from the event will go to Willow Tree, a local organization which provides support and counseling to women who have experienced sexual or domestic violence.

V-Day is a global movement to raise funds and awareness about issues of violence against girls and women. This year's special event also is being presented as part of the One Billion Rising for Justice campaign. The campaign is a call to action for an end to violence against women, noting that statistics show that one in three women will be raped and/or abused in their lifetime.

"More seats filled means that not only will more people enjoy Ensler's work, but more women will be able to get the help they need after experiencing violence," said Dr. Mary Lyn Stoll, advisor to USI's Philosophy Club.

Ensler's Vagina Monologues has been performed nationwide with critical acclaim. The stories are told from the perspectives of girls and women sharing the humor, strife, pain, pleasure and wisdom of being a woman.

This year's cast includes USI faculty: Melinda Roberts, Mary Lyn Stoll and Alice Shen; USI students: Shannon Dancho, Shelby Heck, Casie Mathies, Gerlyn Murrell and Megan Newhouse-Bailey; USI alumni: Sarah Canon, Jeannie Elliott, Alexandra Levine, Erin Monahan and Jeannie Webb and community guest, Sarah Kluemper.

The event is open to the public and is sponsored by the USI Philosophy Club and the USI Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Club.

For more information contact Dr. Mary Lyn Stoll at mstoll@usi.edu or 812-461-5244.