This weekend, “The Penis Monologues” succeeded in its goal of undermining women.
Last week, the University of Tulsa put on a production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” in Tyrell Hall for S.A.V. E. Week. The play is normally an occasion of empowerment and catharsis, meant to bring awareness to violence against women through stories from women about their vaginas. However, this particular performance was unfortunately interrupted by a rival play put on by self-described student Meninists: “The Penis Monologues.”
Scheduled at the same time and in the exact same place, the performers of “The Vagina Monologues” were forced to concede half of their stage to those of the “The Penis Monologues,” who had protested having to perform on a different night or later in the evening, calling it sexist.
“The idea that women are oppressed and discriminated against in society today is laughable,” said Chad Andrews, student sponsor and writer of “The Penis Monologues.” “It’s men who are being oppressed by all of this radical, toxic feminism. That’s why I decided to write this play, so people could hear the truth.”
Friday night, I went to go see the two shows for myself. The ladies were surprisingly gracious, considering the circumstances. They went on as if they were alone, delivering powerful and moving performances that would have really resonated with the audience if not for the men on stage.
The substance of “The Penis Monologues” appeared to be half stories from men about how they have been subjugated by women and half retorts to the stories of “The Vagina Monologues.” A story about sexual abuse would begin only to be interrupted by a barrage of “#NotAllMen” from the other side of the stage, followed by a different story to drown it out.
“I bought her drinks and dinner. I complimented her eyes. I was an absolute gentleman, but when I dropped her off she didn’t even invite me in,” said one of the male performers. “Excuse me? Didn’t I deserve a little something, some thanks for all that work I did? She owed me! Women are freeloaders.”
Because of this, it was often hard to hear anything at all, which seemed to satisfy the Meninists’ goals. The women, however, were much less happy about it.
“I am just so disappointed that these men felt the need to put this mockery of a show on. It’s not only disgusting but also pretty much ruined the real play,” said student Janet Erickson, an audience member. “Why can’t they just let women have a voice?”
“The Penis Monologues” may have succeeded in undermining women this weekend, but men have already been doing that for thousands of years. Nothing is new under the sun, and women will not be fazed in their fight for equality.
