A Worthy Cause

By: Heather Adcock

Engl 336-001

Frostburg’s newest theater production Ruined is set in the war-torn heart of the Congo and is a compelling play centered on the struggle of Congolese women. In this unstable country rape is often used as a tactic of war, as a way of tearing villages and families apart as well as asserting male dominance over women. This play takes place in a whorehouse run by Mama Nadi. Mama is an aggressive and intelligent woman, one who does not like to be submissive and one who is incredibly distrustful of men. Mama Nadi takes in women, supplying them with food, shelter and clothing in exchange that they work as prostitutes at her establishment.

Each character has felt the sting of the systematic rape of women in the Congo. Salima was taken from her garden and used as a sex slave for over five months by rebel soldiers. Josephine was a Chiefs daughter whose village turned away from her after she was raped. Sophia’s physical damage from her abuse makes it painful for her to walk and can only be corrected by expensive surgery which she cannot afford. The struggles of these characters mirror the struggles women in the Congo have to face every day.

Thankfully Frostburg State is helping to relieve these women of their pain and suffering. All of the proceeds from last Wednesdays showing, as well as the proceeds from their silent auction are going to City of Joy. City of Joy is a charity organization centered around helping Congolese women rebuild their lives and recover from their abuse.

“It’s a great cause,” said Meri Plewes. “I’m very glad this money is going to help so many women in need.” City of Joy is a project put on by the V-Day organization, a group dedicated to helping liberate women around the world. Frostburg has been lucky enough to have an extremely active V-Day community here on campus.

For more information about City of joy please visit http://drc.vday.org/city-of-joy.