Minotaur Column: We need to talk about vaginas.

‘Down there’, ‘Vajayay’, ‘Lady Garden’, ‘Gash’, ‘Love tunnel’…

Females and males alike can be forgiven nowadays for finding any alternative word for vagina. Vagina. Why is it so difficult to say? Why is it such a taboo? Not just the word, but the body part itself. A proper vagina. It’s difficult to know what that even is anymore. It’s a mystery to so many people. However, over the next few weeks, I’m going to try and solve the mystery surrounding this enigma.

I’m currently co-directing ‘The Vagina Monologues’ (by Eve Ensler) with Martha Geelan. I’m fortunate enough to be working with an amazing group of women made up of second year drama girls and a production team from all years, both male and female. To say this is scary stuff is an understatement. It’s absolutely terrifying. But terrifying in the way that I think jumping out of a plane might be: exhilarating, thrilling and exciting.

The thought of talking about the intricacies of female sex with my dad in the front row makes me want to put my head into the ground and never re-surface. It goes against all the instincts I’ve grown up with. Of course, talking about vaginas has a lower risk of death and is far cheaper than jumping out of a plane, but allowing access all areas to this huge taboo is one of the most liberating experiences I’ve been involved with.

We’re all taking the plunge and raising money for the charity Leeway. Leeway is a specialist domestic abuse charity supporting just under 10,000 adults, children and young people every year across Norfolk and Suffolk. Leeway’s primary objective is to offer advice, support and information to adults and children who have or who are still experiencing domestic violence.

Don’t miss out on this amazing experience, tickets are selling fast and all proceeds go to Leeway. We’re performing on February 26 at the Drama studio, and the third year drama girls are performing the monologues the night after on the 27th. Tickets can be booked through the UEA box office.