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Monday, January 23, 2012

The Women's Studies Student Association (WSSA) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington steps up again for the tradition to end violence with its performances of The Vagina Monologues, Feb. 16 and 19 in UNCW's Lumina Theater.

This year commemorates the twelfth anniversary of this production at UNCW, inspired by the celebration of V-Day and its efforts to raise local and global awareness of abuse and violence against women and girls. Part of Intercultural Week at UNCW, all proceeds will benefit the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons Center Inc. in Wilmington.

The Vagina Monologues consists of a series of short narratives performed by all demographics that provides insight into women's personal lives and experiences. Some monologues evoke pain, suffering and outrage, while others inspire passion, humor and power. First written and performed by Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues has been a success for more than 10 years.

"I'm involved with The Vagina Monologues because I strongly support the cause of ending violence against women and girls," said UNCW graduate student Autumn Beam, 2012 co-director. "The performances of The Vagina Monologues that we hold at UNCW allow us to share stories of women in all walks of life, and through those stories we empower each other to stand up and speak out against the atrocities that women face around the world."

Tickets for The Vagina Monologues are $10 for general public and $5 for students. They are available to purchase through etix.com and in person at Sharkey's Box Office, Fisher Student Center, 910.962.4045. Show dates and times are:
• Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.

Production costs are funded on a donation basis only, so that all proceeds will be donated directly to the Rape Crisis Center, with a modest contribution to V-Day. The performance is co-directed by UNCW graduate student Autumn Beam and Jessica Green of RCC of Coastal Horizons. The cast consists of 21 volunteers, including students.

What is V-Day?
V-Day is a non-profit catalyst that works to end all violence against women and girls including rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation and sexual slavery. It strives to raise awareness and to unify anti-violence efforts to help women throughout the world. The movement will not stop until the violence does.

V-Day's 2012 Spotlight Campaign highlights the high levels of violence against women and girls in Haiti, centering on the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010. All funds raised this year will be used to support a revolutionary national campaign in Haiti led by a coalition of women activists. To learn more about V-Day, visit www.vday.org

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu