Play highlights Healthy Relationships week

(From left) Chelsea Prettyman, Jade Leggot, Jill Smith, Devon Seaman, Ashley Trotnic, Brandi Hoofnangle, Natalie Trent practice for their roles in The Vagina Monologues.

Julie Lybarger

(From left) Chelsea Prettyman, Jade Leggot, Jill Smith, Devon Seaman, Ashley Trotnic, Brandi Hoofnangle, Natalie Trent practice for their roles in The Vagina Monologues.

The Vagina Monologues is coming Feb. 11 and Feb. 13 to the Bud Walton Blackbox Theatre.

Under the direction of Rachel Mastin, The Vagina Monologues has a cast of 15 girls who perform stories of verbal, sexual and physical abuse toward women. All proceeds from the two performances will be donated to the Lafayette House in Joplin.

In light of Healthy Relationships Week, Natalie Trent asked Missouri Southern’s administration if she could hold auditions and perform the controversial play in order to raise awareness of healthy relationships.

Trent, a counselor at Missouri Southern’s Advising, Counseling and Testing Services, said “counselors will be available during both performances for any audience member who may react to the show’s graphic content and shock value.”

Tickets will be $2 at the door with show times at 7:30 p.m.

Persons wishing to make a donation to the Lafayette House but are unable to attend, can contact Advising, Counseling and Testing Services for ways to give.

Although the title is The Vagina Monologues, men are still encouraged to attend. Trent warns the mature content is for college-age audiences and older.