Ensler

Eve Ensler wants Monologues to be publicly performed because the concept is supposed to be much more than simple words in a book. Hearing “vagina” yelled out and talked about on stage is supposed to be, at first, shocking and unconventional; then it is supposed to be liberating and empowering. If it were just words contained in a book, dull and emotionless words, then this entire movement would have never gathered this much momentum, and become all that it is today. Instead, the words are supposed to become alive and fly out, catch the attention, and infect the audience. The audience is supposed to be a part of it all. It has encouraged women to stand up against the voices that “judge and censor.”

She wants vaginas to be physically embodied because it resonates inside the audience much more personally when stories have a face and a personality to them. Through these uniquely identifiable stage monologues, women can find what they need in order to “reclaim their bodies” and tell “the stories of their own violations, desires, victories, shame, adventures.” They can connect to one another and become united against the larger and much more egregious issue of violence against women. The effect this has is pretty profound. It humanizes the cause and raises awareness of a widespread issue that conflicts women.  In turn, more and more women get onboard and rally around this movement. They find “their power, their voice, and their leadership ability by becoming accidental activists.”