Grand Valley production of 'Vagina Monologues' will benefit area women's programs

For the fourth straight year, proceeds from Grand Valley State University's production of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" will benefit area women's programs.

The engaging, powerful and sometimes provocative production of Ensler's acclaimed play is presented in conjunction with the V-Day College Campaign, in which colleges around the world host benefit productions of the play on Valentine's Day to raise money and awareness to stop violence against women and girls.

Proceeds from Grand Valley's student-run production will go to the Grand Rapids YWCA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program, Center for Women and Transition in Holland and the GVSU Women's Center. A portion of the money will also go toward the V-Day Spotlight Campaign, Women of Iraq, which seeks to change the violent conditions for women and girls in that country. Last year's performances of "The Vagina Monologues" raised more than $13,000.

Co-producer Jaime Sheppard said a larger venue (Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids) was added to accommodate larger crowds and hopefully raise more money.

"The Vagina Monologues" will be performed at 8 p.m. on Friday-Saturday, February 11-12, at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE; and on Monday, February 14, Performing Arts Center, GVSUs Allendale Campus.

Tickets are $16 each ($8 for students) and available at the door and through all TicketsPlus locations by calling 616-222-4000. Tickets for the February 14 performance are also available through the GVSU Box Office; call 616-331-2300.

This year's production will feature a trans-gendered monologue that Sheppard said will challenge audience members.

"The Vagina Monologues" is sponsored by Grand Valley's Women's Center, Women and Gender Studies Department and supported by the Nokomis Foundation.

Cast photos available by calling News and Information Services at 616-331-2221.