New drama from Ten Ten Theatre lifts the lid on human trafficking

Agata Jarosz

A compelling new play, which addresses the issue of human trafficking in the UK, was shown at a special event in central London last night, to mark Anti-Slavery day.

Ten Ten Theatre presented the one-woman drama, written by Martin O'Brien, which tells the harrowing story of how an Eastern European woman was deceived by a relative, trafficked as a sex worker across Europe, and enslaved as a domestic servant in the UK. Eventually released from her captors, the traumatised woman struggles to come to terms with life back at home.

The project began following personal request to Ten Ten from Archbishop Vincent Nichols on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference to raise awareness of the issue with communities throughout the UK. Pope Francis has spoken widely on the issue describing human trafficking as "a disgrace for our societies" and it was high on the agenda in the first meeting between the Pontiff and Archbishop Welby earlier this year.

Writer Martin O'Brien said: "Lifting the lid on the world of human trafficking in the UK and abroad has given me an insight into this appalling travesty of our time. It is our intention to show this play widely so that people will become more attuned to what is happening in their community. As with all Ten Ten productions, we hope that this play will not only help audiences to reflect on themselves as spiritual, moral, social and cultural beings, but also lead them to action."

Polish actress Agata Jarosz gave a superb performance last night. Ten Ten are developing the project for a UK tour of schools, universities, churches, communities and theatres in 2014. Communities interested in hosting the production should register their interest with Ten Ten Theatre by emailing office@tententheatre.co.uk

The Westminster Centre for Youth Ministry in Somers Town hosted the event.

About Ten Ten

Ten Ten Theatre is an award-winning theatre company established in 2007. In addition to its mainstream theatre productions, Ten Ten delivers a Relationship Education programme for children in primary and secondary schools as well as with parents and teachers. The charity has also developed a significant programme of work in prisons and young offender institutions throughout the UK. Most recently, Ten Ten sold out The Leicester Square in the heart of London's West End with a run of their production of 'Kolbe's Gift'. The organisation has a Christian ethos, rooted in the Catholic tradition, and is highly acclaimed for its professionalism, quality of scripts and performances.

For more information on Ten Ten Theatre see: http://tententheatre.co.uk/

See also ICN 16 October 2013 Sypport the Campaign aganst human trafficking: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=23420