The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Media Credit: Mike Marquard Mike Marquard/The University News Julie Balsman performs "The Vagina Workshop," in "The Vagina Monologues" Saturday night in Carlo Auditorium. The show drew both fans and protestors. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Mike Marquard Mike Marquard/The University News A crowd of 20 protestors clamor along the east corner of Grand and Lindell Blvds. on Friday night. They toted signs pleading for the University to boycott "The Vagina Monologues." [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Mike Marquard Mike Marquard/The University News Sophomore Sarah Rush performs a monologue last Friday, in Carlo Auditorium. Inside, attendees filled out forms pledging their support for the show. Outside, protestors expressed their disdain. [Click to enlarge]

Last weekend's performance of "The Vagina Monologues" drew approximately 650 audience members over three days, along with 20 protesters on Friday. The protesting group, America Needs Fatima, held signs and prayed the Rosary on the southeast corner of Grand and Lindell for approximately one hour prior to the seven p.m. show time.

"We think it's ["The Vagina Monologues"] contrary to Catholic teachings. It portrays Biblically and morally corrupt and heinous behavior,"said Mark Serafino, one of the protesters.

"Something like this does not have a place at a Catholic university," said Eleanor Finneran, another protestor.

America Needs Fatima is a worldwide organization that tries to "put a stop to blasphemous movies, plays and art," Serafino said.

Of the five individuals interviewed, none had seen "The Vagina Monologues" and only one, Patty Christy, had read the script.

"I wholeheartedly disagree that a vulgar play like this be shown at a Catholic university," she said. Christy held a sign reading, "Boycott and pray for SLU that it may support all Catholic doctrine again."

The group was distributing form letters addressed to SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., urging him not to allow another production of "The Vagina Monologues."

Inside Carlo Auditorium, where the performance was held, there was a table for those attending to write and express their support to Biondi for approving the performance.

Laura Hils, producer, said in a post-performance discussion with cast, audience and faculty that University officials were very supportive of bringing "The Vagina Monologues" to campus.

"Its important that SLU be aware of violence against women on both the St. Louis and world levels," said Elizabeth Henricks, a member of Una. "The stories may sometimes be offensive, but the stories are true."

"It opens up a dialogue," said Anna Kinsella, director. "It brings forth difficult issues in ways where it's easy to hear it."

Hils said, "Learning to not be afraid is an empowering experience."

This is the third year for the performance, sponsored by Una, the School of Social Service and the Center for Social Justice. Benefit performances of "The Vagina Monologues" are a major component to the V-Day movement, a global movement that seeks to end violence against women and girls. The 'V' stands for victory, valentine and vagina.

Approximately $7000 was raised at SLU's performance, Hils said. Ten percent will go to the V-Day spotlight campaign, the women of Iraq. The remainder will be divided between The Women's Safe house, a St. Louis shelter and Karen House, St. Louis' Catholic Worker house.

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