Presbyterian College is once again putting on the yearly production of “The Vagina Monologues.” The production will have the audience both laughing and shedding a stray tear by the final curtain call.

“The Vagina Monologues” is part of Presbyterian College’s PC-V movement, a part of the worldwide V-Day association, a global activist movement trying to put a stop to violence against women and girls. V-Day aims to bring awareness to the struggle of putting an end to rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, and sex slavery of women all around the world.

Every February, students gather to put on a production full of monologues based off actual interviews with women who have had both horrendous and enlightening stories about sexual acts committed against them. The monologues range from heartbreaking tales from rape victims, to tales from self-empowered women who have realized their own inner-beauty, to hilarious rants about living in a male dominated society.

“The Vagina Monologues represent the hardships and the joys seen by women. The play is not about bashing men, rather it is about celebrating women and the struggles they have lived through and rejoicing in the beauty of our womanhood,” director DJ Wall said.

Some women decide to participate in the play multiple times. Senior Laura Blanco is returning for the third time to the stage for more after having an illuminating and overall inspiring experience performing her monologue her junior year.

“Last year I got the serious duet. The night after dress rehearsal I was confronted by a pretty dark memory of my past. Through some serious deep thinking, I decided to take the vulnerability that came with the memory and apply it to my part of the duet. I asked my duet partner if she was okay if I changed how I delivered my lines, she said yes. It was the most freeing moment of my life. Last year’s Vagina Monologues gave me a whole new appreciation for theater and vulnerability,” Laura said.

Not only do The Vagina Monologues help to support a worldwide cause that supports women, but the monologues have helped women on campus. Being on stage under the lights and staring out into the audience can be a nerve-racking experience, but if the actors find a way to relate to their monologues or deeper understand the meanings behind the interviews, the whole experience can change lives. The monologues can be a way of purging and dealing with old memories or can help women see that their bodies are beautiful just the way they are.

“I hope their spirits are lifted by our show and at the same time, that their eyes are opened. PC-V is all about opening people’s eyes to domestic violence and abuse, and ‘The Vagina Monologues’ opens people’s eyes by giving them a glimpse into many women’s lives. Whether it’s funny, introspective, or sad, ‘The Vagina Monologues’ are written in a way that can reach everyone in the audience,” Laura said.

This week The Vagina Monologues will be performed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Thursday, Feb. 13, and Friday, Feb. 14. Wednesday’s show is open to male athletes only, though Thursday and Friday’s performances are open to anyone who wishes to attend. Tickets will be sold until Tuesday at lunch for $5 and at the door each show night for $7.