LOS MONÓLOGOS DE LA VAGINA
By Angelica Flores
A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message from a colleague that reminded me of my adolescence in Mexico. She invited me to see a play, and as I read her message, I was instantly transported back to those days when, sitting in the hallway of my house, watching the show “Ventaneando. I remember how they spent so much time discussing the play “Los monólogos de la vagina, generating in me a mix of curiosity and confusion.
My colleague's invitation stirred up a blend of emotions within me. On one hand, I was curious to see the play; on the other hand, I felt apprehensive about potentially feeling uncomfortable or exposed while confronting topics I still perceive as taboo.
Despite my doubts, I decided to accept the invitation. It was an opportunity to learn more collectively, as several women from the community had mentioned attending, including some close to me. One of them took the initiative to bring her 70+ year-old mother, herself, and her daughters, which I found very powerful!
It is of utmost importance that we, as a society, echo works of this nature and get involved in community dialogue and joint re-existence, not only because they build a collective narrative but also because they foster a critical conscience and awaken consciences.
Experiencing the play was an emotional roller coaster. There were moments of shared laughter and connection through humor. There were also overwhelming instances, times when silence dominated the space, when the weight of statistics about violence against women felt heavy. It was particularly heartbreaking to hear about the practice of clitoral mutilation of innocent girls. This reality, which I was either unaware of or chose to ignore, struck me with brutal force, horrified me, and left me wondering how such an atrocity could still be occurring in the 21st century.
It was a profoundly moving experience that prompts me to advocate for the importance of open dialogue on these issues and to encourage sisterhood among us as a form of protection.
I vividly remember when I first heard about “The Vagina Monologues. " In Mexico, the play was, and still is, performed by well-known actresses. However, what makes this play exceptional is the opportunity it gives women from our community - colleagues, friends, and acquaintances - to take the stage and voice our stories.
After the play, two other women and I returned home, sharing our favorite actresses, discussing the sad and hard-to-hear moments, and reexamining the scenes that made us laugh aloud.
The play prompted me to reconsider the importance of having spaces where we can openly share our experiences and stories, free from the fear of judgment. These transformative environments remind us of the power of theater and storytelling to unite us and enable us to perceive the world through others' perspectives.
I also reexamined how we dismantle the myths that have prevailed for so long. When we discuss this type of work, it's understandable that confusion may arise, associating it with something more sexual or explicit. However, this encompasses much more. It serves as a means to educate, generate awareness, and foster dialogue collectively. It's fundamental for individuals of all ages and genders–women, men, teenagers, and youth–to be exposed to these spaces and artistic expressions. They should be able to engage with art and question, reexamine, and develop their opinions.
