Not just another Valentine’s Day

For the first time, Caltech is taking part in the V-Day College Campaign, part of a global movement to stop violence against women and girls by promoting awareness and raising funds for antiviolence organizations. Through benefit performances of Eve Ensler’s Obie Award–winning play, The Vagina Monologues, the V-Day movement (www.vday.org) calls attention to the fight to stop violence—including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, and sexual slavery—that is inflicted on women and girls worldwide.

On Friday, February 13, a diverse group of Caltech students, staff, post-doctoral scholars, faculty, and alumnae will bring to life the poignant, funny, and moving sketches that compose The Vagina Monologues. Based on Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women, the piece celebrates the sexuality and strength of women around the globe, and exposes the violations they endure. It has been translated into more than 25 languages and performed worldwide, including sold-out runs off Broadway and in London.

Says event organizer Rachel Niemer, a graduate student in chemistry, “This is an opportunity for the Caltech community—women and men—to come together and take a stand against violence in all forms.” Security staff member Loren Kajitani, who is part of the cast, describes the participation in V-Day as an “exciting, groundbreaking, and inspiring venture.” Proceeds will benefit the L.A. Commission on Assaults Against Women.

The performance will begin at 8 p.m. in Baxter Lecture Hall. Tickets are $5 for students with ID, $15 for others, and are on sale at the Caltech Y, located at the Center for Student Services (414 South Holliston Avenue), Room 158. For more information, contact Niemer at (626)
395-6379 or rniemer@caltech.edu, or visit http://events.vday.org/2004/College/California_Institute_of_Technology.
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