Oct. 14 – Nov. 2, 2017
Written by Deborah Lake Fortson, Tempest Productions
Directed by Shelley Smith, Chain Reaction Theatre Project
Cast: Ankita Ashrit, Stalyon Blackmon, Justin Cervantes, Delaney Quinn, Kayla Dvorak, Kendall Kent, Joann Oudekerk, Valencia Proctor, Madeline Pukite, and Daniel Sakamoto-Wengel
Based on interviews with sex trafficking survivors in five major U.S. cities, this powerful documentary play gives voice to victims and inspires discussion and action. The play’s interwoven stories of nine juvenile sex trafficking survivors are thought-provoking eye-openers about what is happening to the youth in our communities. The true stories of these survivors, including those of Twin Cities’ youth, were performed in the round to create an immersive experience for audiences.
Performances took place before the Super Bowl arrived in Minneapolis — at which time sex trafficking demand rises — to help increase awareness of this issue. Director Shelley Smith says, “The FBI ranks Minnesota 13th in the U.S. for sex trafficking. With this play our goal was to create awareness about this issue and inspire audiences to be part of the solution.”
(Originally produced by Tempest Productions, Inc., tempest@rcn.com)
A few of the many audience comments:
“The sharing was excellent. It hits you in the heart.”
“The stories are sobering. Thanks for bringing the production to us.”
“Thought provoking work. Wish more audiences would see it.”
“Impactful”
“Excellent. Eye opening.”
“Well done with a tough topic.”
“Excellent! A standing ovation for all of you. It couldn’t have been more real.”
“The actors are amazing! The stories are sad, yet inspiring.”
“Great! Emotional.”
“I would like to see this presented to a wider audience like high schools, community leaders, etc.”
“Powerful, infuriating, awareness producing, important work. Thank you!”
“It really put a human face on the issue. It awakened me to the reality of the occurrence of this in my everyday life and world. Thank you for teaching and awareness raising. The young actors who are so expressive are a source of hope!”
“The performance was incredible! Very painful to watch. Very informative. Keep up the good work!”
Featured in Star Tribune: Gail Rosenblum’s Column
http://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-play-body-and-sold-reveals-grim-truth-of-sex-trafficking/451693423/
Public Performances took place at eight venues throughout the Twin Cities Metro area: St. David’s Episcopal Church, Minnetonka; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, (ASL Interpreted performance); Transfiguration Lutheran Church, Bloomington, (Audio Described performance); Cornerstone Advocacy, Bloomington; Eden Prairie City Center; Trinity Presbyterian Church, Woodbury; Arts-US, St. Paul (in partnership with Breaking Free); Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake
Cast: Ankita Ashrit, Stalyon Blackmon, Justin Cervantes, Kayla Dvorak, Kendall Kent, Joann Ouderk, Valencia Proctor, Madeline Pukite, Delaney Quinn, Daniel Sakomoto-Wengel.
Designers: Nic Delcambre (sound), Cindy Forgren (costumes), Robin McIntyre (set)
Stage Manager: Moriah Harting
Intern: Casey Holmes
“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”
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