The Vagina Monologues present a fun answer to a serious problem, with the purpose of educating audiences about domestic violence and female mutilation.

The monologues were held in Lindsey Auditorium last Saturday and Sunday evenings. The 12 female performers were involved because of their previous theater experience or interest in the program and what it supports.

“This is all in honor of V-Day, Vagina Day, and spreading awareness about loving your womanly selves,” sophomore actress in the show Dannae Miller said.

Vagina Day is a worldwide movement drawing public attention to issues of violence against women and children. V-Day’s slogan “til the violence stops” explains the main purpose of this presentation.

The play’s focus was twofold, revolving around both serious facts and comic relief. The monologues were direct, open and considered vulgar to some.

“I disagreed with some of what they were saying and I thought parts of it were gross,” said Kelsey Sowa, a sophomore international studies major from Boulder, “but I did appreciate what they said about female genital mutilation; that was important.”

Between humor, the show presented the harsh realities of violence. The show highlighted unnoticed rape statistics and addressed the issues of vaginal mutilation.

“The show exhibited vaginas in a positive way while also acknowledging the pervasive aspects of vaginas in our society,” said Dawn Weber, a sexual violence advocate.

Though the crowd consisted primarily of women, the men in the audience appeared to enjoy the show, expressing that they felt entertained and knowledgeable after the performance.

“It was interesting, informative and a great show. I enjoyed the different takes on the ‘vagina’,” said Levent Ozdemir, putting the word vagina in finger quotes and laughing.

Overall, the show was deemed a success.

Ten percent of the proceeds go the V-Day National campaign to support this issue in third-world countries such as the Congo or Haiti, while 80 percent goes to the local Gateway Battered Women’s Shelter, whose mission is to eliminate violence against all women and children by empowerment through education, support services and social change.

“It was a great performance for a wonderful cause. It is an important topic that is not often talked about openly and with such passion,” said graduate student Megan Davenport.

To learn more about the V-Day campaign or contribute to the cause visit vday.org.