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National V-day combats violence |
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Tuesday, 12 February 2008 |
 Left to right, senior sociology major Carolina R. Atwell, sophomore psychology major Brittany M. Arnold, and senior psychology major Laura E. Maphis strike a pose with the cut-out used to promote the Vagina Monologues in the student union. Photo by Lindsay Diedrich
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by LINDSAY DIEDRICH
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Nat King Cole’s song “L-O-V-E” takes on a new meaning this Valentine’s Day, when ‘V’ will stand for more than very, very extraordinary, but rather for vagina.
This week, the Vagina Monologues kicks off with a new twist.
Showing tonight and Wednesday is Eve Ensler’s new play, “A Memory a Monologue a Rant and a Prayer” (MMRP).
This play will be followed by “The Vagina Monologues” Thursday and Friday.
“Vagina, Violence, and Valentine” are the three V’s of National V-Day,
created by Eve Ensler, and will celebrate its 10th anniversary this
year, said Brittany M. Arnold, a sophomore psychology major and
narrator of “The Vagina Monologues.”
National V-Day started in 1998, and according to Random House
Publishing is a “grass roots movement dedicated to ending violence
against women around the world.”
“MMRP offers more international and multi-cultural perspectives on
violence against women,” said Julia C. Fondren, a senior psychology
major and director of this year’s performances.
The play consists of 60 different monologues and performers are advised to pick between five and 10, said Fondren.
 | Arnold
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Appalachian students will perform seven of the 60 monologues.
Fondren said writing from authors such as Alice Walker of “The Color
Purple,” and Moi-Ses Kaufman of “The Laramie Project” has been
contributed to MMRP.
According to Random House Publishing, MMRP “brings the issue of
violence against women and girls to the forefront of our consciousness.”
Arnold said the purpose of National V-Day is “stopping violence against women, sexual, domestic, mental – all of it.”
Although students may be unfamiliar with MMRP, Fondren encourages students to see both MMRP and “The Vagina Monologues.”
“MMRP is equally male and female because it deals with issues that
affect everyone,” she said. “Each show presents a different but equally
powerful message.”
Since last week, students have been selling t-shirts and various vagina memorabilia.
All proceeds from these sales, as well as the ticket sales, will go to benefit charities.
Fondren said the proceeds will be distributed between OASIS (Opposing
Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter), ACADA (Avery Citizens
Against Domestic Violence) and A.S.H.E. (A Safe Home for Everyone).
 | Fondren
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This year the campaign will benefit women in New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina.
All performances will be held in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union at 8 p.m.
MMRP costs $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Tickets for “The Vagina
Monologues” cost $10 dollars in advance, and $12 at the door.
Advance tickets can be purchased at the information desk in the student union.
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