IF YOU GO* What: "The Vagina Monologues."* When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Feb. 25, 3 p.m. Feb. 26.* Where: UTC University Center, 642 E. Fifth St.* Admission: $5.* Phone: 425-5605.* Website: www.vday.org.
The first of three performances of "The Vagina Monologues" will start Thursday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The production is part of a worldwide observance of V-Day, a global activist movement to stop violence against women and girls.
Proceeds from the local campaign are earmarked for the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults' Crisis Services and the UTC Transformation Project.
Sara Peters, director of the UTC Women's Center and coordinator for education and advocacy for the Transformation Project, said the UTC production is "all student produced," with about 15 people in the cast and a separate group of students assisting. Hollie House returns as director after a first-time stint in 2009.
This is the first year that the play will be presented over three days, Peters said.
"Last year we got snowed out, so we only brought in about $700 the one night we were able to perform," she said. "The year before we made about $1,500."
V-Day founder Eve Ensler wrote her award-winning play based on interviews with more than 200 women. The series of monologues offers a frank and humorous celebration of women's sexuality and strength.
"Through this play and the liberation of this one word, countless women throughout the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives," says a news release at www.vday.org.