Tanasia Brigman & Taylor Evans
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — Last month, Winthrop University recognized V-Day, a global movement intended to end violence against women, by hosting a performance of “The Vagina Monologues.”

V-Day is typically celebrated Feb. 14, but Alpha Psi Omega, Winthrop’s theatre honor society, and the Office of Victims Assistance hosted the event March 6-7.

“The Vagina Monologues,” which premiered off Broadway in 1996, is an episodic play by Eve Ensler that explores several topics related to sexuality and reproduction, through the eyes of women.

“These things just need to be heard by everyone, male or female and non-binary,” said Margaret Goldin, a member of Alpha Psi Omega.

Goldin said the event was intended to raise awareness about women’s issues on the predominately female campus.

“I tried to make it comfortable for people who don’t have vaginas to be able to watch it, being on this campus, being in college we are supposed to be open to learn these things,” said Goldin.

She said the performance shed some light on things that many people may not have been aware of.

“It’s a collection of real-life stories of women who have faced things, such as discrimination of their bodies or who they are,” Caylen Michaels told the Palmetto Report last year.

Michaels directed the 2019 production of “The Vagina Monologues.”

“Winthrop produces this show annually, because these stories are sad, they’re funny, they’re heartbreaking and having these emotions towards these real life situations helps people come together and helps people asks the questions,” she said.

“It’s funny because it’s so uncomfortable, but being able to break through that uncomfortablility is a way to connect with people,” said Michaels. “It’s a way to help other people understand in the world that you’re not alone and there’s other people who face these problems.”

Representatives from the Office of Victims Assistance were also present to let students know the office is available for anyone who might be having a problem and is in need of help.

Editor’s note: Taylor Evans, who appeared the 2019 performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” produced the video report below.