LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Production raises awareness

To the editor:

I would like to say that Mr. Fred Olson’s letter regarding “The Vagina Monologues” (Record, May 2) misses the mark, but it is unclear to me just what target he was aiming for. Since the play was last produced here in early March, a response lag of two months should have been sufficient time to form a coherent commentary. At least he gives us fair warning that there will be more letters to come.

Having been peripherally involved in the play’s production on South Whidbey the past three years, I can attest that it is a very powerful work and that it is indeed not for everybody. Audiences are warned about the explicit content. The play deals with material that some might find inappropriate, while many others find it uplifting, cathartic and redemptive.

The core cause of the piece is to raise both awareness and money to counter worldwide violence and sexual abuse against women, and in a broader sense to counter violence in all its forms. This is a worthwhile goal. The stories incorporated in the play are from real people in real situations, and span the human emotional spectrum from deep heartbreak to great joy, often using humor, anger and absurdity to move the message forward. The play has been hugely successful all over the world. Clearly, there is a message here that resonates.

Mr. Olson does not seem to have seen the play, but has only “forced” himself to read it. One wonders what other unpleasant tasks he may be undertaking in the interest of the public good. My advice would be to refrain from exposure to such material if it is disturbing, and moreover to resist foisting views of personal morality upon others. To do otherwise will not lead to happiness for any of us.

Scott P. Linn

Clinton

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