To the Editor,
Thank you so much for your coverage of the Fairfield University V-day benefit production of ‘The Vagina Monologues.’ It is unusual and wonderful for the company to find a full page devoted to our work in the PepsiCo Theatre.
As a company, we would like to simply clarify a few things that were reported in last week’s article.
First, it is extremely important for the Jamie A. Hulley Foundation for the Arts to be recognized. ‘The Vagina Monologues’ was made possible because of a grant from the foundation. It paid for set pieces, some costuming and room and board for the cast and crew over break.
To [Fairfield psychology professor]Judy Primavera, we gratefully acknowledge you and the foundation; this could never have happened or have been so successful without your support!
Additionally, we would like to add that although there were a few rumblings, there was no concrete opposition to the performance of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ this year, or ever. The administration wholeheartedly supported our efforts to bring this piece to campus – it is, after all, ultimately a fund-raising event to help stop violence against women.
The statement that we were stopped at any time, in the past or this year, is entirely false. To our knowledge, no one has ever attempted to perform ‘The Vagina Monologues’ at Fairfield and certainly not this ensemble. Last weekend’s performance was the first attempt by any Fairfield students to perform the show, and we did so successfully and with university support.
As a company, we write to make sure that the administration realizes we recognize their support for the show. We also write so that other Fairfield students know that we are not limited. Fairfield University is a Jesuit college that supports its students to explore questions, pushes its students to develop social responsibility and provides opportunities for students to follow their passions. Fairfield is special because it encourages diverse and, yes, sometimes controversial projects, but its Jesuit identity is stronger because of that.
In conclusion, we would like to thank the University administration and our audience for creating a supportive and hopeful environment for us to work in.
Sincerely,
The company of Fairfield’s V-day benefit production ‘The Vagina Monologues’
Katie Carroll
Liz Mercadante
Anne Krane
Sarah Gatti
Sarah Zybert
Alex Burke
Jen Martin
Mary McGrath
Lindsey McKitterrick
Jocelyn Boryczka, assistant professor of politics, director of Peace and Justice studies; Dawn Quintiliani, assistant dean of College of’ Arts and Sciences; Joan Grant, publicist, Media Relations; Gary Pelletier, director; Colleen Kennedy, producer/stage manager; Kat Reilly, set dresses; Jenn Trudeau, lighting designer, technical director
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