Shatterbox Theatre's Fair Trade shines a light on the unseen realities of sex trafficking - a gritty must-see at London's Rich Mix and Edinburgh.
When Emma Thompson tells you to check out a project, you do it. When she suggests you get involved, it's hardly advice to ignore. And when you're a recent graduate breaking into the world of acting, such advice can prove invaluable, as Anna Holbek found out.
After a chance meeting with Thompson on a film set, Anna Holbek found herself unexpectedly reading sheet music and chatting away with one of Britain's most renowned actresses. Evidently striking a chord with the star of many a period drama, Anna was encouraged by Thompson to get involved with an art project, Journey, part of The Journey against Sex Trafficking campaign.
Using shipping containers to depict the plight of victims of sex trafficking, the installation Journey has been recreated globally. Not only raising awareness among the multitude of visitors to the display but also inspiring numerous artists to use their skills to highlight the issue, Journey has proved a huge success. Holbek was among those inspired and, with a how-can-I-help attitude, drew on her own theatrical skills to create Fair Trade.
Along with fellow writer Shelley Davenport, she was so moved by the installation that she pitched the idea of a play to Thompson, who gladly took on the role of executive producer. Shatterbox Theatre's Fair Trade is the raw, heartfelt story of two women whose lives are thrown into disarray when they leave their separate home countries for London.
Supporting the Helen Bamber Foundation, Fair Trade stands apart from “worthy” shows that are often the products of issue-based scripts. Holbek and Davenport have crafted their show from interviews with women who have experienced harrowing but also human journeys. Though emotionally overwhelming, their stories proved to be creatively inspiring. Cleverly, the two have highlighted the humanity that persists amid inhumane circumstance by celebrating the humour of the women as they experience a cultural learning curve. Alongside their dark, controlled existence remain their hopes and aspirations.
For the writers these are no longer faceless victims, heard about but rarely seen. They inconspicuously appear in every facet of our lives but with Fair Trade Holbek shines a light on the unseen realities for a wider audience using dance, music and physical theatre.
From the story itself you can expect something sharp and simple, hard-hitting but also heart-warming. The show explores the removal of identity on every level from the handing over of passports to being forced into new and uncomfortable clothes. What hits home is the lack of control so rarely seen among adults, a lack of information and a universal naivety we can all relate to.
Fair Trade runs at Rich Mix from 22nd to 25th July before it heads to Edinburgh.
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