I recently went and saw a show entitled the "Vagina Monologues" and had no idea what I was about to get myself into. Never had I heard a play titled in such a blunt manner, so I had to go see what it was about. After seeing this show, I have realized how necessary it is for everyone to try and see this show whenever they learn it is being performed near them. The "Vagina Monologues" is a play written by Tony award-winning playwright and activist, Eve Ensler that strives to bring awareness to violence against women, encourage women to thrive and educate themselves, and stand strong together.

The monologues consisted of eighteen two to three minutes speeches performed all by women. Each speech held a deeper meaning and message that all women, and even men, need to hear in their lifetime. Some monologues focused on the violence against women, such as rape, incest, battery, and even genital mutilations. These are still violent crimes that are still occurring all across the world. A lot of these hideous acts are very commonly overlooked or are only brought to attention briefly enough to take care of the woman and is quickly brushed aside because talking about these events are too "hard for people to talk about".

With these strong and powerful messages behind the even stronger monologues came some monologues that fell along the humorous side. With the comedy aspect added, however, the messages behind these specific lines were not any less important. These monologues were all about reclaiming the word 'vagina'. The word itself has been etched in both male and female brains as something that should be whispered and never even mentioned at the dinner table or brought up in a sentence directed to your grandmothers. The word 'vagina' has been given so many nicknames as to avoid saying such a "disgraceful" word in any public setting we are placed in.

Along with the word 'vagina', I was given a new perspective on how many women feel about their body parts. Most are afraid of their own anatomy, even being unaware of how all their own parts work. These monologues told women to not be afraid of their own bodies, educate themselves on all the crooks and crannies, and to embrace their sexualities full heartedly.

The messages and awareness that Eve Ensler's "Vagina Monologues" bring are all the reasons that should convince you to see this show whenever you can. It is so important for women in today's society to educate themselves and not be afraid to "Thrive rather than just survive", as quoted by Ensler herself. This play was definitely a life-changing experience that I highly encourage others to experience as well.