January 31, 2006—This month Oberlin College and community will join over 1,090 colleges and communities worldwide in presenting V-Day 2006 benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues. The Oberlin production will be held February 10 and 11 to benefit the Lorain County Rape Crisis Center. Directing Eve Ensler's award winning production is Alexa Punnamkuhzil '08.

From February though March, local activists in over 54 countries, on 687 college campuses, and in over 428 communities will take part in the annual observance of V-Day (victory, valentine, and vagina), which is celebrated on or near Valentine's Day each year to raise awareness about violence against women and to support local charities.

"All proceeds from the Oberlin event will go to the Center for its outstanding work in providing sexual assault prevention and survivor support," says Lori Morgan Flood, director of Oberlin College's Office of Health and Life Skills Education, which is supporting the production. "The Center will use the funds to commission a mural from award-winning artist and activist Xavier Cortada."

The Oberlin performances will take place Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 11 at 2 p.m. and at 8 p.m. in Fairchild Chapel, located in Bosworth Hall, 50 West Lorain St. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased at Wilder Student Union, 135 West Lorain St. (440 775 8102), and at the door if any are available. For more information, contact Lori   Morgan Flood, director of the Office of Health and Life Skills Education, at 440-775-5332.