Saturday’s performances of “Coming From the Beast” confirmed the notion that words alone can carry immense power. The Women’s Empowerment Initiative touched upon tough topics yet carried them out sometimes with humor and sometimes with sad truths, but always with honesty. “Coming From the Beast” was a show that delved deeply into issues surrounding women and not only how they are portrayed in everyday life, but also the struggles and hardships many women face behind the unknowing eye. In my opinion, the show was a success because of the honest way that these issues were addressed. Each member of the cast was not afraid to swear, talk openly about sex, and feel deeply about what it was they were saying. The unwavering truths that were discussed helped the audience to really understand the message. If the show were a little more prudish and less honest, it would not have been the success that it was.

The show contained a whopping total of 97 Connecticut College female students. The crew had been rehearsing and getting the show together since the semester began, and their tireless efforts certainly paid off. 

The show opened with cast members booming in staggered unison, “Have you seen my voice?” Then all together they said, “I think I lost it.” This opener was intense to say the least and certainly made the audience glow with amazement at the sheer power that the spoken word can relay. The following 19 monologues touched on a variety of issues, stories, and painful recounts of personal struggles and hardships. Some had as few as one person in them, while others were composed of more than 10.

Each monologue was different: eating disorders and unhealthy dieting, menstrual cycles, sexual assault, losing one’s virginity, and an open and honest letter to a mom. Powerful lines from these monologues included, “I told him I was sorry. What was I sorry for?” and “My heart is not a room for rent.” These compelling and influential lines allowed for a special unity in voice that women from different realms of experience and background could feel as one. The show ended with members from each monologue coming out as their small unit, until the entire cast was on stage dancing to empowering music that left a satisfied and uplifting feeling amongst the crowd.

To conclude, it is safe to say that “Coming From the Beast” did everything right, the most important being that the show carried the words “bold and brave” to new heights. Every member of the cast brought something unique, yet unifying to the performance. It is an empowering thing to see your peers talk about issues that are usually discussed in hushed voices, afraid to truly address what is real. It was certainly not a show to miss. If you did, luckily they will be back next year for, I’m sure, another stealer show.