Students perform real-life stories in 'That Takes Ovaries!'

Graduate student Crystal Hilliard always wanted to be an actress, which is why she was thrilled when she landed a lead role in the upcoming production of “That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Women, Brazen Acts.”

Similar to “Vagina Monologues” performed in previous years, Grand Valley students in “That Takes Ovaries!” will use theater to tell real-life stories of women and girls who have performed courageous actions. Grand Valley’s production of the play on February 9 and 10 will use short stories from the book, That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts, and stories written by women from the West Michigan community.

Hilliard will play Ruchira in the skit, “Documenting It,” which is about the true story of a journalist who goes to India to film a documentary on the sex trafficking industry.

“I’m just really excited about being on stage and being part of the Grand Valley community,” said Hilliard, a reporter for WOOD TV. “Being on stage is very different than being in front of a camera. You can pretend that no one is watching when you’re talking to a camera, but you’re in front of hundreds of people on stage, so I’m kind of nervous.”

“That Takes Ovaries!” is set for two performances on Thursday, February 9, on the Allendale Campus and on Friday, February 10, at Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $15 for community members and $10 dollars for students. Tickets for the performance in Allendale can be purchased at the 20/20 desk in the Kirkhof Center. Tickets for the performance at Wealthy Theatre can be purchased online at www.wealthytheatre.org or by calling (616) 459-4788.

The Women’s Center will use the production to raise funds for local and international women’s and girl’s rights efforts.

For more information, contact the Women’s Center at 616-331-2748 or email [email protected].