Zach Butler/The Daily Vagina Monologue hopefuls discuss their potential upcoming roles during February performances.

Not many have the power to change the world, but Eve Ensler does.

The first production of her play “The Vagina Monologues” debuted in 1996. Soon after, she launched the “V-Day Campaign” to use the play to raise awareness about violence against women. The national campaign enjoys great success from its grassroots movement.

Communities that have put on the show have raised over $50 million, collectively. These contributions benefit V-Day and its mission statement, which is boldly put: “V-Day is a demand. Rape, incest, battery, female genital mutilation and sex slavery must end now.”

The audition for the OU production of “The Vagina Monologues” Saturday was very different than an audition for a usual play. Most of the participants were college-aged, but there were some high school girls and older women. There was no sense of competition and no one was practicing. It took place in the Henderson-Tolson Multicultural Center, where a circle of chairs welcomed the many ladies coming to audition.

At first, the room was awkward and silent, but women discussing their attachment to the play soon broke the ice.

“This is my fourth time,” said Anna Moore, chemistry senior. “I’ve been looking forward to this audition all week. This is one of the few opportunities to be involved in creating change. One of the ways to create change is to raise awareness.”

TVM is like no other show, noted director Anna Holloway, professional writing graduate student and religious studies teaching assistant.

“It’s not about being theatrical. It’s about being truthful and honest. Women without acting experience do it well because it comes from the heart. Eve Ensler wants it delivered, not acted,” said Holloway.

Soon, all of the women introduced themselves. Caitlyn Wright, a women and gender studies junior earned a round of applause for her introduction.

“I love saying “vagina” on-stage when my professors are in the audience and having an orgasm in front of my father who is a pastor,” said Wright.

The group read the play together. “My Angry Vagina” garnered many laughs as the women envisioned all of the unnatural things they do to their vaginas.

The smiles soon dissolved into tears as a girl read “Say it”, the new monologue about Japanese soldiers raping Chinese “comfort women” during WWII.

The play has always been shocking. “Americans have a cultural thing against talking about sex,” Holloway said.

She hopes that the play will be an anachronism when people become comfortable with sexuality.

The show will run Feb. 23 and 24 in Meacham Auditorium.