The department of theatre and dance and Wardenburg's community health department at the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ at Boulder are collaborating to present a performance of "The Vagina Monologues" as a fund-raiser for the Boulder County Rape Crisis Team on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.
The event is part of a national effort by playwright Eve Ensler called the "V-Day College Initiative" which involves more than 300 universities worldwide performing the play Feb. 7-21 in order to raise money for non-profit organizations working to stop violence against women.
Having the opportunity to present this Broadway hit is a real coup for the theatre and dance department, according to Associate Professor Lee Potts.
"We feel privileged to be taking an active role in a global effort to raise awareness and end sexual violence," Potts said. "We are also thrilled that the project is involving so many people, from students, staff and faculty on campus to members of the Boulder community."
Rebecca Brown, professional coordinator of the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Rape and Gender Education program and director of the Interactive Theater Project, is working with Potts on the event. "This performance provides an opportunity for ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ to not only raise awareness about violence against women, but to also make a meaningful financial contribution to the larger community," she said.
In the mid-1990s, political activist and playwright Ensler interviewed more than 200 women of all ages and races for the play. In doing so, she created a humorous and poignant piece of theater that weaves together women's stories into a performance focusing on women's experiences in the world.
Ensler originally toured the country performing the play as a one-woman show. Since then, celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Glenn Close, Meryl Streep and Susan Sarandon have become involved with the project and the V-Day College Initiative was started in 1998. Both moving and funny, "The Vagina Monologues" has been highly acclaimed by critics, Potts said. Currently playing off-Broadway, the national tour is scheduled to hold performances in Denver later this year.
The one-time only performance will be held on the Mainstage in the University Theatre at 8 p.m. A dessert reception will follow in the Irey Dance Studio. Tickets are $20 for students and $25 for non-students and will be available starting at noon on Jan. 22 at the theatre and dance box office, located in the lower lobby of the University Theatre, or by calling (303) 492-8181.
The department of theatre and dance offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in theatre. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs provide a balance of theory and practice through which students gain knowledge, critical insights and performance skills.
Through these programs, students may prepare for careers as professional actors, playwrights, stage managers, directors, professors and set, costume, sound and lighting designers. For more information call (303) 492-7355 or visit the Web site at .
The community health department at Wardenburg Health Center promotes optimal health through interactive programs within the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ community. For more information call (303) 492-2937 or visit the Wardenburg Web site at .