UConn V-Day presents anti-violence show

On Friday, Feb. 26, students will perform "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer: Writings To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls" at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. Presented by UConn V-Day, the show will raise money and awareness for the prevention of violence against women.

Edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle, the show brings together a broad collection of authors' works to explore a wide range of perspectives on violence against women.  Unlike Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," which students performed last Friday, "A Memory" includes male voices.

"It's nice to feel like we're not alone in our fight, and we have people fighting with us," said cast member Mia Freedenfeld, 8th-semester women's studies and sociology double-major.

UConn V-Day organizers actively cultivated a cast and crew of students who felt connected to V-Day's anti-violence mission. During auditions for both "The Vagina Monologues" and "A Memory," students were asked about their interest in violence against women and their reasons for wanting to participate in the productions. Students were able to choose the pieces they wanted to audition for, giving them the option to select stories based on personal connections to the material.

"It's common that people choose pieces that speak to their own experience," said Freedenfeld.  "Everyone brings something to the character they're portraying."

In this year's program, UConn V-Day chose to honor three "Vagina Warriors," individuals who have inspired participants through their anti-violence advocacy. This year's Vagina Warriors are Carol Millette, Dr. William Petit and Mandy Brown. 

Each performer also selected a Personal Warrior, an individual who the cast member considers inspirational.

Cast member and 8th-semester human development and family studies major Carly Hoss chose her grandmother as her Personal Warrior.  "I think she would have been proud of me for being in it, even if she would have been uncomfortable with the word 'vagina,'" said Hoss.

Tickets for "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer" are on sale in the Women's Center for  $10 for students ($12 for non-students) or at the door for $12 for students ($15 for non-students).