The reaction of the audience is a key element towards Ensler’s goal of raising awareness towards violence against women and to better understand women in general. It is necessary for this reaction, whether positive or negative, be felt by those who watch the performance. By pushing the viewer outside of his or her comfort zone you create a lasting impression upon them. They will discuss what they saw with their friends, and perhaps this domino effect will change the way they view the plight of women in our world.
People will remember something that made them feel uncomfortable or gave them a sense of pleasure. They will think about what they saw, these thoughts lead to discussion, which eventually may lead to societal action. The Vagina Monologues is successful in this regard; pushing one out of their comfort zone is something Ensler is able to do exceptionally well particularly because of the realities that pervade the monologues.
When reading the monologues you stop and think, wow this is someone’s story and it is being shared for probably the first time. The monologues are a truly powerful read which at times can be humorous and disturbing. In my opinion the one monologue that I cannot seem to get out of my head would have to be, “My Vagina is a Village”. The negative imagery that monologue brought to my mind is hard to shake. As I read the words I began to cringe, it was hard to fathom that this grisly act had happened to this woman. I do not think it would be possible for anyone to truly comprehend the pain she was forced to endure that day.
Being pushed out of your comfort zone is something that most of us avoid as often as possible. Ensler challenges us and is striving for a shift against violence towards women.
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