Members of the Case Western Reserve University community and the CWRU School of Medicine performed a local production of “The Vagina Monologues” last week to raise money and awareness for women who have an important story to tell.

The play’s creator, Eve Ensler, has grown into an activist and TED speaker and is also a performer and award-winning playwright. She created the One Billion Rising campaign in 2012, which is aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence and is held every year from Feb. 1-April 30. Each year introduces a new goal for organizers, and more people join the movement while Ensler continues to write plays. Her current production, “O.P.C.,” is receiving great reviews, just like the ever-running “Vagina Monologues.”

Although Ensler created the play in 1996, it is still a relevant topic of discussion today. Part of One Billion Rising’s success lies in the play being directed in various cities and countries for everyone to see. CWRU students, faculty and community members from the School of Medicine were eager to continue the tradition last Friday, and they took the stage at 7 p.m.

Once the curtains closed in the Millis Schmitt Auditorium, the audience had gained a comical and valid perspective on what it means to have a vagina, and the play garnered some awesome ticket sales. There was only a $10 charge per person, but the actors earned $2,500 for their beneficiary: the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC).

Ensler is adamant on educating society on the fact that one in three women worldwide will be beaten or raped in her lifetime, and since every production of the “Monologues” must donate its proceeds to an organization that is working to support women and change this gruesome fact, donating to the CRCC will be a step in the right direction.

If you missed the production, visit Ensler’s website for other listings and opportunities to change the world one story at a time.