Feminist Alliance Club Holds Showcase:Donates Proceeds to Local Women’s Shelter

Performers in the Feminist Alliance Club showcase on stage Photo Credit / Edita Bardhi. Performers in the Feminist Alliance Club showcase on stage. Photo Credit / Edita Bardhi
Performers in the Feminist Alliance Club showcase on stage Photo Credit / Edita Bardhi.
Performers in the Feminist Alliance Club showcase on stage.
Photo Credit / Edita Bardhi

By Edita Bardhi
Opinion Editor

ESU’s Feminist Alliance Club presented the traditional collection of writings, “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, And A Prayer” last Friday at 5 p.m..

The showcase was performed at Abeloff Center for Performing Arts with an admission fee of $2 per person.

The collection of writings included essays, stories, and scripts based upon the club’s chosen theme ‘Violence Against Women.’

“Every spring, we alternate from “Vagina Monologue” to “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, And A Prayer,” said Destany LaBar, a senior and president of the Feminist Alliance Club.

The club’s intention of the showcase was to help raise awareness toward the many situations that women may encounter.

“It is to share stories to let people know in the audience that there are women who have dealt with things that they have dealt with. That way, maybe they can open up to their family and friends. It shows that even though you feel alone, you really are not,” said Labar.

As guests paid their way into the showcase, an assortment of sweets and belongings were available for purchase at the front entrance.

Club members arranged for vagina-shaped lollipops to be sold for 50 cents each and cupcakes for a dollar each.

Out of courtesy of past showcases, pink-colored t-shirts were also available with a price of five dollars per shirt.

“All the proceeds that we raise here go to the Women’s Resources of Monroe County,” said LaBar.

With nearly 30 attendees in sitting positions at Abeloff, club members were seen gathering their scripts and making their own selves comfortable.

Club members Paige Taylor, Laura Below, Gera Catania, Emmy Leanna, Amy Cramer, Marie Steeger and Destany Labar each read a piece of writing. A few writings required more than one reader.

During the readings, guests were exchanging a smile or two.

Many guests could understand the meaning of the writings, and some found it relevant.

“I saw someone cry during one of the pieces, and I was like ‘yes, we touched them,’” said Labar after the showcase.

For every member who read, a rose was pinned onto their attire. The microphone stand was also wrapped in roses.

“I was trying to tie everyone together, to show that we are all unified and it doesn’t matter what we deal with. We all come together and protect each other, especially in times like now with everything that is happening in the news and media,” said LaBar.

She continued, “It is kind of a tradition that we wear all black and all red. It is the colors of the event in a way.”

As the showcase ended, the last reading included a reading with all the club members.

They each stood side by side, with a microphone and their script at hand, reading their role play in the writing.

The collection of writings, “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, And A Prayer” was performed again on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m..

The Women’s Resources of Monroe County was founded in 1980 and has been offering support to the community with a shelter, hotlines, and support services to victims of domestic or sexual violence, their families and significant others.

They also provide prevention education and risk reduction programs in schools and the community, and training to the professionals who work with the victims of these crimes.

“Our mission is to provide a safe and caring environment that encourages healing and empowerment for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic and sexual violence. We strive to engage our community through awareness, advocacy and prevention,” said the Women’s Resources of Monroe County on their website.

Women’s Resources provides services to all victims in the community, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation or religion according to their website.

The organization hold several events that have shown to be successes in past years.

They include a Black and White Gala held in May, a 5K race held in October and a Martinis and Manicures event held in April.

To donate to or volunteer with the Women’s Resources of Monroe County, visit their website at www.wrmonroe.org or visit their location at 225 J. Wilson Drive, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327.

Email Edita at:
ebardhi@live.esu.edu