The monologues in the play, which were read aloud by 30 women wearing all black with red boas—were based on answers to questionnaires Ensler had given to hundreds of women around the world.
Many were dramatic and serious. Many were extremely funny, especially since surely no woman had ever thought about her vagina the way this play did.
For example, there was the question, “If your vagina could dress, what would it wear?”
"An electrical shock device to keep unwanted strangers away,” a woman answered.
Another question read, “What’s special about your vagina?” A 6-year-old girl replied, “Somewhere deep inside it has a really, really smart brain.”
And in response to the question, “What are other names that you have called the vagina?” women offered such answers as: “tamale,” “split knish,” “coochi snorcher,” “Gladys Spiegelman” and "down there."
As for the world “vagina,” one performer said, “Vagina. It sounds like an infection at best, maybe a medical instrument: ‘Hurry nurse, bring me the vagina!’”
The funniest monologue of the evening was performed by Susie Stern, who impressively demonstrated a variety of orgasms. She concluded with a surprise triple orgasm moan that sent the audience into uproarious laughter.
Other monologues were interesting thoughts about women’s private parts, which took time for this reporter to be accustomed to. Hearing the “V” word so many times was disconcerting at first, and it seemed strange to hear about something so private being expressed so openly.
But this was exactly the point.
It became clear that the word “vagina” served as a metaphor for women being aware and proud of their sexuality. The term conveyed the message that women should respect their bodies—and that no one else has a right to invade their body without their permission.
V-day began in 1998 as an outgrowth of Ensler’s Obie Award-winning play, which Ensler initially performed by herself.
Ensler is on a mission to spread the word about V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Her mission has now come to the Jewish community, and its first stop is the UJA-Federation of New York.
When the violence stops, V-Day will be known as Victory Over Violence Day. The “V” in V-Day is for Valentine, Violence and Vagina.
| 
