Dear Editor:

I am a long-time resident of Ruston, a Tech student, a mother and a concerned citizen.

In the last 20 years I have attended many productions at Louisiana Tech and have been entertained by quality performances.

I enjoy humorous productions better than other types, but also a thought-provoking play such as "A Man for All Seasons." However, I am not in favor of a play with pornography as the main dialogue.

I am dismayed to learn the play "Vagina Monologues," is scheduled to be presented in late February in the Stone Theater. While this play is not an official production of the Theatre program, its production on the Tech campus indicates the administrators approve.

I have read reviews of this play and find it disgusting. The goals implied by the writer are to encourage women to embrace their sexuality and to raise awareness of the plight of women who have been raped or mutilated.

I believe there are better ways to address these issues. Our society is so sex-crazed that good taste in discussing sexuality has been dismissed as old fashioned and unnecessary.

Though we want issues discussed and solutions sought for problems, I believe we need to exercise restraint and discretion in our discussions.

This is especially true when the venue is a play where the audience expects to be entertained. I do not believe pornographic monologues are a respectful way to treat the subjects of rape and mutilation.

This kind of talk only serves to cheapen sex and makes these abuses seem less evil, not more.

I hope the university administration reconsiders presenting this play and chooses another play that has redeeming social value.

Sincerely,

Gail Jordan

Junior, General Studies