Many people have seen the controversial play “The Vagina Monologues” since its first performance in 1996.

But Illinois senior Christie VanOchten said first-time viewers still can expect to be both shocked and entertained.

“There’s a ton of information in it,” VanOchten said. “And it’s just a great play. There’s no other way to describe (it).”

Students searching for a deeper understanding of the vagina can attend “The Vagina Monologues” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

The play uses monologues to relate to the vagina through sex, love, rape, mutilation, masturbation and other topics, including the multiple names the vagina has been called.

The event’s co-director, Marne junior Christie Lobbezoo, said the play is educational and empowering.

“I feel very passionate about the issue,” Lobbezoo said. “It talks about domestic violence and rape as a tool of war.”

Grand Haven junior Amy Terhaar will participate in the play for the first time this year. She said she got involved because the play is interesting and the proceeds go to Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates.

“I think SAPA is an amazing program,” Terhaar said. “The more funding they can get the better.”

Several skits, including “The Outrageous Vagina Fact” and “My Short Skirt,” have been added to this year’s production while past pieces, such as “I was 12, My Mother Slapped Me,” were removed.

However, Lobbezoo said a past fan favorite, “My Angry Vagina,” will be featured.

“It’s very high-energy and talks about issues,” she said.

This year’s presentation also will feature many new cast members.

“They bring a whole new energy,” Lobbezoo said. “People bring their own personality to the piece.”

VanOchten, who is working with the cast for the first time, said she got involved when she saw flyers for an open audition.

“I just thought it was cool,” she said. “I went on a whim.”

In addition to entertaining audience members, Terhaar said cast members will have the opportunity to educate women viewers.

She said she has seen the play each year CMU has put on the production.

“It’s a great show,” she said. “It’s going to be really touching at times. It’s so funny.”

Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for general public and $10 at the door.

There will be an additional presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday in Plachta Auditorium.

“Anyone who’s coming for the first time should come with an open mind,” Lobbezoo said. “They’ll gain a new perspective.”

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