The student-driven production of “The Vagina Monologues” could be the best valentine given to First Step Inc. this weekend. All proceeds of the $5-per-ticket show will go to the nonprofit that aids domestic-abuse victims and provides them with resources and shelter.
According to Elizabeth Lewandowski, theater chair and professor, First Step’s newest executive director was moved to tears when she heard students of Alpha Psi Omega wanted to raise awareness and funds for her organization through their art.
“If a large number of people do come out [to the play], that sends a message to victims: they’re not alone,” said Chantel Grant, a worker at First Step. “A lot of people don’t understand that the abuser will tell [victims] they’re stupid, they’re alone, and there is no help. That’s the most dominant thing that you can [say]. That’s why they don’t leave. Victims can literally step outside their homes, but if they have that psyche in their mind, they won’t. It’s just unheard of that they can get out. [Attending the play] definitely sends a message to a victim that, ‘There are people that are interested in [me], and maybe I can get help.’ ”
Having seen the “Monologues” herself, “I think it’s really important for college-age students to see it,” Grant said, “because they’re making the decisions for tomorrow and setting that pace of what’s acceptable, what’s not, [and] what should be important for society to talk about.”
MSU joined the V-Day movement along with Alpha Psi Omega to produce the “Monologues” in 2013. Together, they raised around $600 for First Step and, in order to fulfill demand, performed it over two weekends.
“Rather than have people object to it or be offended,” Lewandowski said, “we had people come back night after night. I’ve been here for more than 20 years, and in all that time, “The Vagina Monologues” is the only show we’ve held over for an extra weekend.”
Lewandowski said she hopes the fundraiser will become a tradition and was eager to assist Alpha Psi Omega with the show a second time.
“I try to incorporate social learning in my classes, and this is really a reflection of that, though the students are really behind the idea,” she said. “This [is a] way of making a difference, and they’re excited about it.”
Houston Pokorny, president of Alpha Psi Omega, said he believes the play is empowering to women of the audience and cast.
“We wanted to do a show that helped benefit women since our whole season is about equality and feminism,” Pokorny said. “We want most people to feel change, but [they could feel] anger, sadness, heartbreak, happiness—anything. Theater is meant to affect you in some way and make you see the world in a different light.”
This year’s event was registered through V-Spot, a part of the globally-oriented One Billion Rising Revolution. Proceeds will be given directly to First Step, meaning that if each showing sells out, $1,000 will be donated.
“Any amount, from one dollar to one hundred, helps a victim,” Grant said. “Sometimes victims leave with only the clothes on their backs. They have nothing. They may not be able to get a job immediately or they do have jobs and [must] leave everything in order to get away. If you think of someone who has nothing, any amount makes an impact on that person.”
“The Vagina Monologues” runs Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
