An all-female cast of 12 Bakersfield College students will be performing the first BC production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.”
BC theater professor and director of the play, Kimberly Chin, says, “I’ve always wanted to do a production of the show and, in fact, back in 2000 I sent off for the production rights but was denied.”
It was not until Chin connected with Krista Whipple, who helped in organizing the V-Day event that is to accompany the play, that she was able to run “The Vagina Monologues” as the play to coincide with Women’s History Month.
An “excited” Women’s History Committee approved of the production, and all involved were eager to help spread awareness and finally bring V-Day to BC as other performances at CSUB or The Empty Space have done in their respective venues.
“V-Day is a non-profit corporation that distributes funds to grassroots, national, and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls,” Chin said.
“All of the proceeds will go to the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. It is a local organization that truly makes a difference to many lives here in Bakersfield and in the surrounding areas.”
Chin perceives this play to be “potentially empowering to both men and women” as it shares the stories of different women in a “bold and honest” way. She encourages everyone to attend, especially men, to whom she assures the play is “not designed to bash men or make them feel guilty.”
“For some reason,” begins Chin, “We cannot say the word ‘vagina’ and not get laughter, blushing, or rude remarks. The play challenges us to take ownership of our bodies and to reclaim certain terms that have fallen to derogatory use. It is a very moving and enlightening play.”
Another important element of V-Day coming to BC is that it is an opportunity for student’s to “affect the lives of others in a positive way.”
V-Day at BC will take place on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the BC quad. Local organizations will be present with information regarding their services, and the BC Theater Club will be holding a bake sale.
Play performances are March 29-31 and will start at 8 p.m. in the BC Indoor Theater.
To learn more about V-Day, “The Vagina Monologues” and Eve Ensler, visit www.vday.org.