Dig Out A Bright Lipstick and Get Seen for Unseen! #GSFU
THERE’S nothing I love more than playing a strong female lead, and they don’t come much stronger than in a play about human trafficking written by Eve Ensler - global human rights activist and internationally renowned playwright.
In the play, Avocado, I played a young woman sold as a sex slave by her mother. For ten years she was trafficked from one place to the next, including in a container of rotting avocados – where she struggled for breath. I spoke to an asylum seeker to find out how they would survive such an ordeal, and learned they find sanctuary in the simplest of things – like, in the case of the woman I played, the dark behind her eyes.
Eve Ensler - who wrote The Vagina Monologues and campaigns to end violence against women - is a woman for whom I have incredible respect. She began the charity One Billion Rising after the devastating discovery that one in three women will be beaten or raped during their lifetime. I felt really privileged to help her explain the terrible tragedies that some women still face.
Avocado was held at the West Yorkshire Playhouse – a Theatre of Sanctuary, passionate about supporting refugee and asylum communities in the region. After the play, a real talking point, we had some discussions on migration, asylum and trafficking. There, I met the incredible Andrew Wallis chief executive of Unseen - a Bristol charity working towards a world without slavery.
Part of Unseen’s work is to support survivors of human trafficking at its 24hr safe house where just £3 pays for a hot meal. This week (12 - 18 October), Unseen are trying to raise more awareness about modern slavery, and if you are reading this blog, it would be great if you can help too. The campaign ends wit the UK’s national Anti-Slavery Day on Sunday.
If you want to get involved, all you have to do is to dig out something bright, - a neon ribbon/pair of bright shades/hot pink lipstick - whatever you have, strike a pose and snap your selfie. Then post it on social media using the hashtag #GSFU highlighting modern slavery.
No comments:
Post a Comment