Despite outstanding performances by the cast of the Vagina Monologues Sunday and Monday night, it’s hard to get past John Taggart’s role as co-director.
This is the first time in the University’s nine years of performing the Vagina Monologues that there has been a male director.
Although it’s important for men to be included in the discussion of feminism and women’s rights, the movement hasn’t evolved to the point where men should be leading.
The Vagina Monologues is a play that raises awareness about violence against women while also celebrating feminism and women’s rights in all of its forms; therefore, it’s undeniable that men should be ing and volunteering wherever they can—but leading the movement is another story. Although feminism is an extremely broad category, one that cannot be defined solely by a person’s anatomical makeup, the Vagina Monologues is more than just a forum on feminism; it’s an arena for women to discuss femininity among themselves without feeling judged or alienated.
If the presence of a male co-director causes the women to feel uncomfortable, or pressures them to censor their discussion, then Taggart’s role is a problem. It would be a shame if the value of having what has traditionally been a women’s-only space was compromised by Taggart’s participation.
It’s clear that Taggart’s direction isn’t the issue, and it’s obviously not about him as a person. He seems to understand where women are coming from and with co-director Ainsley Brittain by his side, ome of our concerns are diminished. That said, the concept of a man telling a woman how to express her femininity seems absurd. Before the show, Brittain said, “I like the idea of having men involved, but] it’s counterintuitive to have a man direct women to tell women’s stories.” We couldn’t agree more. Being a woman and dealing with issues specific to women simply cannot be learned, even with the best intentions.
The Vagina Monologues cannot—and should not—be a completely feminine experience, but the greatest role men can play is ing the women performing in it by attending the show and heeding its important messages.
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