Click on the image to download an informational sheet about violence against women and girls and this year's V-Day production of "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer." Created by The Signal Design Editor Sam Savell.

Rant Against Violence: ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer’

By Online Editor Last updated Apr 21, 2015 99 0

Informational graphic about violence against women and girls. Graphic created by The Signal Design Editor Sam Savell. — *Graphic created by The Signal Design Editor Sam Savell.*

ANDREA THOMAS
THE SIGNAL
V-Day is a global movement of activists united to help shine some light on the dark subject of violence against women and girls.

UHCL joins the V-Day campaign for the sixth year by hosting a production of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.” This year’s production is sponsored by various on-campus organizations: People Against Violence Everywhere (PAVE), Women Studies Student Association (WSSA) and the Office of Intercultural Student Services (ISS).

This series of monologues differs from the productions of “The Vagina Monologues” performed in previous years.

“The goal this year was to break the mold and incorporate men because it is important for our audience to know that not all men wish to marginalize women,” said Melissa Negrete, PAVE president and psychology major.

Fellow PAVE member Kristen Skipper jumped on board in 2013 after seeing the 2012 production because she “loved the overall idea of raising awareness about violence toward women and wanted to be a part of something so special.”

A biology and pre-med major, Skipper is active on campus in a variety of roles, including SGA representative for PAVE and vice president of Pre-Health and Science Association (PHSA).

“This year’s production is definitely different in the aspect that it includes men, and it is a more serious production,” Skipper said. “‘The Vagina Monologues’ had some funny aspects to it, ‘Reclaiming Cunt’ and ‘My Angry Vagina,’ but this one has more pieces that get to you emotionally and makes you really think about the impact sexual and domestic violence has on people.”

Not only is Skipper actively involved in the fundraising, advertising and logistics side of the V-Day production, she is taking on the additional responsibility of directing two actors. Colden Snow, anthropology major, will perform “Rescue,” and Randi Hall, literature major, will perform “Groceries.”

There are two male cast members acting in the series of monologues: Snow and John Pillion, a volunteer from the community, as well as a male director, James Elmore, PAVE vice president.

“It feels a little weird being one of the few males in the production,” Snow said. “That is why it is important to remember that men can be feminists too and take on an equal role in ending domestic violence.”

Snow was previously involved in the behind-the-scene aspects of last year’s performance. This year he decided to take the stage and take a stand.

“There is a lot more pressure this year-actually being on stage,” Snow said. “People are paying to see the show, and I want them to really be moved.”

This production’s series of monologues are written by world-renowned authors and playwrights.

Downloadable informational sheet about violence against women and girls and this year's V-Day production of "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer." Created by The Signal Design Editor Sam Savell. — Click on the image to download an informational sheet about violence against women and girls and this year’s V-Day production of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.” *Created by The Signal Design Editor Sam Savell.*

“A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” features authors and topics such as: Edward Albee on sadomasochism; Maya Angelou on women’s work; Michael Cunningham on self-mutilation; Patricia Bosworth on her own physically abusive relationship; Jane Fonda on reclaiming her “Mojo;” and many more.

The V-Day website reports that one billion women and girls will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. The V-Day campaign acts as a catalyst that helps bring people together, promotes creative events, raises money while raising awareness and encourages a global stance against violence. In 2012, there were more than 5,800 V-Day benefit events, educating millions around the world. Since 1998, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $90 million for women’s anti-violence groups.

“The problem with violence against women is that it’s not strictly a women’s issue,” Negrete said. “It affects children, loved ones, parents, daughters, sons, grandmothers and people on the outside looking in. As we come together to raise awareness, collect donations, we are also trying to educate UHCL students…not just on statistics but on ways they can become part of an organization [People Against Violence Everywhere] dedicated to supporting the survivors of violence. We all have the power within us to say “enough is enough.” It is time to reclaim our voices.”

The V-Day production is scheduled for Feb. 28. Tickets are $10. For information on dates of fundraisers and where to purchase tickets, contact Melissa Negrete at pave.uhcl@gmail.com or call the Student Life office at 281-283-2560.

Ninety percent of proceeds will go to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Pasadena, Texas, a nonprofit organization that assists women, children and men in crisis, particularly those who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault or homeless situations. The remaining 10 percent goes to this year’s V-Day spotlight campaign, which will help build safe houses for women in Haiti.

To shine your own light and join in the global fight against violence, you can take a stand and let your voice be heard by visiting the official V-Day website at www.vday.org and/or attending the UHCL production of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.”