Political Rewind: In conversation with V, activist and 'Vagina Monologues' playwright

Caption

"Vagina Monologues" playwright V joins the Political Rewind panel to discuss her work, violence against women, and the future for women's rights.

Credit: Paula Allen

CONTENT WARNING: sexual assault, violence against women

If you're experiencing sexual violence, call RAINN toll free at 1-800-656-4673.

The panel

V, playwright and author, The Vagina Monologues

Jen Jordan, @senatorjen, former state senator

The breakdown

Formerly Eve Ensler, V debuted The Vagina Monologues in 1996 to rave reviews. The play covers women's bodily autonomy, sexual violence, menstruation and more. It's been performed in 140 countries in nearly 50 languages. 

The Vagina Monologues is graphic, real and, according to V, has influenced real change in political and religious organizations worldwide. She detailed performances with then-state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, Catholics at Notre Dame, and leaders in Haiti's Parliament. V knows progress isn't guaranteed, and that it's possible for societies to backslide.

The Me Too movement saw countless women detailing their experience with sexual harassment, assault, and violence. It was also the catalyst that led V to write "The Apology," in which she writes an apology from her father's perspective after he remained unapologetic for his sexual and physical abuse.

Her latest work, "Reckoning," was inspired by pushback to conversations that started during protests in 2020. To her, America is "reckoning-averse," unwilling to discuss or process any of its sins, from its mistreatment of indigenous Americans, to its long history of slavery, and its involvement in wars like Iraq. Most recently, she's collected experiences from the treatment of women in Taliban-held Afghanistan.

Friday on Political Rewind: The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Kevin Riley joins the panel.