The Vagina Monologues records

Collection

Identifier: MSS 290

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Vagina Monologues records, 2003-2017, includes correspondence in the form of printed emails between Vagina Monologues organizers, cast members, and sponsors as well as campus-wide emails and student reactions. Also included is correspondence between Special Collections staff and cast members about archiving the event's materials and flyers and other handouts advertising the event.

Dates

Creation: 2003-2017

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

The Vagina Monologues is an episodic play written by American playwright and feminist Eve Ensler. Ensler wrote the play in 1996 based on interviews she conducted with 200 women about their perspectives on sex, relationships, sexual violence, and their own bodies. The play premiered at HERE Arts Center in New York City in 1996 and was regularly performed throughout New York in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The Vagina Monologues ultimately became the cornerstone of a global movement called "V-Day," a campaign designed to rais funds and awareness for the prevention of violence against women. In 2004, Augustana College held its own V-Day benefit and organized a performance of the play. The suggested donations from the college's production benefited the Family Resource Center of the Quad Cities. Augustana College has performed the show annually each February since the first performance in 2004. The theatre group Alpha Psi Omega sponsors the event.

Extent

0.2 Cubic Feet (/ 1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Materials in The Vagina Monologues records, 2003-2017, relate to Augustana College's inaugural production of Eve Ensler's controversial play, The Vagina Monologues. Papers include correspondence and publicity produced by members of the campus community who were involved in the production.