Soon, 18 women will have the coveted parts in a play about their coveted parts.The women’s studies department is holding auditions for “The Vagina Monologues” on Monday. There will be two performances on Feb. 9- – “V-Day” – that will raise money for awareness of violence against women.

“V-Day” is a global movement to end violence against women. The “V” stands for victory, valentine and vagina.

“The Vagina Monologues” performances serve as the center of an entire week of events known as “V-Week” that aims to raise awareness about sexual abuse.

“I believe that if we discuss it openly enough, it will no longer be a subject that’s ‘taboo,’ and we can remove all the negative political connotations that have been associated with violence against women,” said Stella South, project director for “The Vagina Monologues” and a senior political science major.

Money raised from the play’s performances will go toward Assault Prevention Theatre and the national “V-Day” campaign.

“The Vagina Monologues” was first performed at TCU in 2005 and the performances raised more than $5,000. The play was not performed in 2006 at TCU but Becca Nordeen, artistic director for the play, said she hopes the performance will become an annual event.

Assault Prevention Theatre is a group of TCU students who raise awareness on sexual abuse. They perform at orientation and teach students how to prevent and protect themselves in a situation of sexual abuse.

Karen Steele, director of women’s studies, said this would be the second time for TCU to present “The Vagina Monologues.”

Nordeen, a senior theater major, was a participant in the show two years ago but said she fell in love with it long before she came to TCU.

“I came from an extremely conservative family, and I saw the title and I just had to see what it was about,” Nordeen said. “I ended up buying the book and loving everything I read.”

Nordeen said all TCU women, including staff and faculty, can audition for the play.

“I would love to see a 20-year-old woman do a monologue followed by a professor.” Nordeen said. “I would even love the Deco Deli ladies to be a part of it. All women should spread the message of being a proud woman. They shouldn’t be shameful. It should be an unconditional pride.”

“The Vagina Monologues” will consist of comedic and dramatic individual and group pieces based on women’s stories and experiences of mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement.

“It spreads a message that’s cathartic,” Nordeen said. “The show contains mature themes but it is not for the shock factor.”

Both men and women can help usher, sell tickets and help with the “V-Week” activities. Men cannot be in the show.

“Having more men involved conveys a stronger message,” Nordeen said. “Men are apart of our lives and need to be a part of this too.