Gonzaga Theatre Presents “The Vagina Monologues” Feb. 12-14
Gonzaga University Theatre invites audiences to experience “The Vagina Monologues” Feb. 12-14.
Upon its premiere, The New York Times hailed the show as “the most important piece of political theatre of the last decade.” Directed by Professor Leslie Stamoolis, chair and program director of Gonzaga Theatre, this powerful production brings to the stage a series of stories that celebrate, challenge, and give voice to the lived experiences of women.
First performed in 1996, "The Vagina Monologues” was created by playwright V from interviews with dozens of women with varying ages, backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Originally written “to celebrate the vagina,” the piece premiered at HERE Arts Center in New York City and quickly gained national attention for its emotionally rich storytelling – bringing to light deeply personal stories that are often left unspoken.
“V, working as a playwright, started interviewing women – some women she knew, some women she didn’t know – about their experiences, with their physical bodies and specifically with their vaginas,” says Stamoolis. “It was originally for another play that she was writing, but then she came to realize that there were all of these stories just about vaginas, and she was inspired to write a piece of theatre that would offer these stories in monologue form.”
Since its debut, “The Vagina Monologues” has been performed worldwide as a catalyst for conversation and activism. Closely connected to the V-Day movement, the play has helped raise more than $120 million for organizations supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Landmark performances, including a sold-out charity event at Madison Square Garden in 2001, demonstrated the work’s ability to pair storytelling with tangible social impact. While some label “The Vagina Monologues” as a controversial piece, Gonzaga Theatre’s production emphasizes the work’s roots in storytelling rather than advocacy alone.
“Theater is not automatically propaganda… it may be trying to influence you, but it’s not trying to force you to do anything. No one ever accuses ‘Hamlet’ of promoting regicide,” Stamoolis says.
This staged reading features an ensemble of 22 Gonzaga students, staff, and faculty, and reflects Gonzaga Theatre’s ongoing commitment to amplifying our community’s perspectives and voices. A portion of the proceeds from “The Vagina Monologues” will benefit the Spokane YWCA, supporting its mission to empower women and eliminate racism and violence in the community. By pairing performance with fundraising and awareness, the production presents theater’s ability to create meaningful change and spark conversations beyond the stage.
Performances of “The Vagina Monologues” will take place Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for all ages with an option to round up to a $20 ticket to give an extra donation to Spokane YWCA. All performances will be at the Magnuson Theatre (on the East end of the College Hall building) on the Gonzaga University campus (502 E. Boone Ave). You can purchase your tickets at https://bit.ly/TicketCenterTheatre or by visiting the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center Box Office (211 E DeSmet Ave.), Monday-Friday noon-5pm or by calling (509) 313-2787. Tickets will also be sold at the door at the Magnuson Theatre, if still available.
This production would likely be rated PG-13 and is not suitable for small children.