| In Lori Montgomery’s theatre preview (Emanicpating the male member, Theatre, Oct. 4-10),Ground Zero’s production of Cocktales is portrayed as beyond the truth of "attempting to rob Ensler’s groundbreaking play of its impact."
How can a play advertised with a giant cock chasing a terrified woman down a city street not be considered a direct insult to what Ensler’s work was about: ending violence toward women and emancipating the word "vagina?"
Yes, I agree, we do need compassionate stories about men, dispelling myths and stereotypes, but how is one supposed to be sympathetic, or interested for that matter, in men telling stories about their "dinks" when they are being advertised as giant cocks terrorizing lone females?
Yes, the advertising is "comic" in nature, but any attempt for the artwork to be ironic and somewhat political "goes limp," and loses any attempt at credibility with the encouragement for audiences to come and "get drunk."
I guess that’s what makes it all the more depressing, and sadly, conventional. Perhaps a more sensitive advertisement the next time around would be supportive of Eve Ensler’s work.
Jennifer Sterling,
via e-mail
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