By Natalie MAIER

This weekend, 10 CVHS students will be performing the “Vagina Monologues,” an independent production consisting of a series of testimonials from women across the globe to spread awareness about the abuse of women.

All proceeds made through ticket and baked good sales – along with open donations – will go to support Relay for Life. CVHS alumnus and cast member Katie Mollica hopes to make $2,000 this year.

The monologues discuss various issues concerning domestic violence, women’s empowerment and self-discovery. Created by playwright and woman’s activist Eve Ensler, the “Vagina Monologues” started as interviews with women about their views on relationships and their sexuality. In 1996, it became a Broadway play and since then hundreds of colleges and cities across the U.S. have been inspired to put on independent productions to spread awareness about violence against women.

“[‘The Vagina Monologues’] are addressing that [sexual violence] is a global problem,” Mollica said. “It’s something that needs to have a call to action because it’s such a problem right now.”

She added that some of the monologues “address some really deep issues” while others are more light-hearted and witty.

The director of this year’s production, CVHS senior Marissa Ontiveros, said that in the past the show “enlightened” audience members. She hopes that the community will understand some of the hardships that the women go through and “gain moral awareness of the issues that are out there.”

The performances will be tomorrow (Friday, May 31) and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. at The Verdugo Woodlands Dads Club located at 1728 Cañada Blvd. in Glendale. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/128400814027432/.

  Natalie MAIER