Many colleges have staged the Vagina Monologues. This play by Eve Ensler has been performed by young women for V-day, a movement to stop violence against women all over the world.   V-day was organized so volunteers can raise money for organizations in their communities that increase awareness of violence against women. 

This weekend the V-club (Voices Against Violence) at Indiana University South Bend will present Michiana Monologues:  Local Women’s Stories – Breaking the Silence to end the Violence an original production inspired by Ensler’s play.  These monologues are written by local women and will be read on stage by IUSB students.   There will be stories of relationships, sexuality and many other issues affecting women from all walks of life.  The stories were submitted anonymously and are selected and edited by faculty, staff and students at IUSB.  “The wealth of women’s stories in our own community was too much to overlook,” V-Club president and event producer Danica Duesing says, “The beauty, humor, pain, regret and life that were submitted in the stories we received were powerful and exciting.” 

Michiana Monologues is based on an idea from St. Mary’s College, which has put on their own production of SMC Monologues from stories written by students, staff and alumni.  The IUSB students and staff sought advice and mentoring from the students and staff from St. Mary’s to make the production of Michiana Monologues a success.   

This production is raising money for three local organizations.  St. Margaret’s House, a day center where women can become part of a group of women so they no longer feel isolated and learn to make positive changes in their lives; the YWCA, a short-term residential facility where women can get assistance to overcome addictions and escape abusive situations; and  Sex Offense Services (SOS) of Madison Center, a rape crisis center that provides services to victims of rape and domestic violence. 

There will be two productions of this exciting new project on Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased by calling (574) 520-4203.  A silent auction will begin at 6:15 both evenings.   For more information, visit the web site at www.michianamonologues.org