By Lana Michelin – Red Deer Advocate
Published: May 15, 2012 8:46 AM

People in 12 Canadian cities can soon see a powerful play about human trafficking written by Red Deer playwright Andrew Kooman.

She has A Name opened to positive reviews and sold-out houses in Calgary and Red Deer in February 2011 and is now being prepped for a cross-country tour that starts on May 23 in Lethbridge.

The drama about an abducted young woman who is forced into the sex trade in Bangkok, Thailand, is also slated to run in Saskatoon, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Calgary, Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna and Edmonton, before ending with Oct. 2 to 6 performances at the Scott Block in downtown Red Deer.

 

The Burnt Thicket Theatre production is Kooman’s first full-length play, and he’s overwhelmed by its success.

Audience reaction was so positive after the initial run that Kooman said a tour was organized to allow more people to see it. “We sold out every show and at some we were turning away 20 to 30 people at the door, so we thought, something is happening here . . . we’ve got to bring this to more communities.”

The cross-Canada tour, made possible after nearly $100,000 was raised from business sponsors, church groups and private donors, is exciting and is “definitely going to be an adventure,” predicted Kooman, who’s planning panel discussions involving experts on human trafficking.

He will participate in an Ottawa panel with Kildonan-St. Paul MP Joy Smith, who presented a private member’s bill that was unanimously passed by the House of Commons in 2007. It called on Parliament to condemn the trafficking of women and children across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation and to adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking worldwide.

Kooman was volunteering overseas with a non-profit agency when he attended a conference of sex trafficking that deeply shocked him.

“It caught me by surprise that five-year-olds were forced to service johns up to 20 times a day. . . . It really rattled me, and I had to either do something about it or I had to turn the other way.”

Kooman said he chose to write a play to draw more public awareness. But the drama that’s headed out on tour is significantly different than the one that premiered in Alberta last year.

The play still concerns a Western human rights lawyer named Jason, who tries to save a teenage girl held captive in a Bangkok bordello by getting her to testify against her abductors. The teenager, who is forced to service clients, has lost everything — her freedom, family, home — and even her name. Known only as No. 18, she initially doubts and then desperately wants to believe Jason’s promises of rescue.

The action is narrated, or “haunted” by four voices — the spirits of female victims who did not survive the sex trade. The voices obsess Jason’s dreams and consume the mind of No. 18.

Kooman said he made changes, particularly to the exchanges between Jason and his employer, saying, “scenes with his boss are more dynamic and exciting.”

But he believes She Has A Name retains the emotional quality that resonated with audiences. Despite harrowing subject matter, the play is “palatable,” in that it shocks, without being so disturbing that no one wants to recommend it to others.

“It brings you to the edge without pushing you over,” added the playwright, who had to walk a fine line in what he could depict on stage.

The lead roles will be played by Vancouver actors Evelyn Chew and Carl Kennedy, and the play will be directed by Calgary’s Stephen Waldschmidt.

Audience members who want to take personal action will be directed to the websites of several non-profit organizations through the playbill. One of them will be Kooman’s group, Raise Their Voice, which recently partnered with Lacombe charity A Better World to offer programs to help former sex workers in Thailand find a new life.

For more information about the tour schedule or tickets, go to the shehasaname.net website.

lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

My friend Glendene sent me this note that I want to pass along.  She’s a mom, whose daughter went missing from North Las Vegas on March 29, 2006 - six years ago.  The thought sends chills through my body.  Missing!  For six years. In that time, Glendene has worked tirelessly to find her daughter, and in the process has become an advocate and strong voice in Canada for victims of human trafficking.

March 26, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JESSIE FOSTER, missing 6 years (since March 29, 2006) – NEW AGE ENHANCEMENT DRAWING RELEASED

I would like to announce the release of an age enhancement drawing of Jessie (below), to the approximate age of 28 years old, by Canadian Certified Forensic Artist, Diana P. Trepkov. Diana also did others drawings of Jessie 2 years ago when she was missing 4 years and almost 25 years old. Diana and Glendene were on CTV’s Canada AM to announce the release of those drawings.(Website: http://www.forensicsbydiana.com)

Jessie Foster disappeared from North Las Vegas on March 29, 2006 after being taken there from Canada in the spring of 2005, ending up in Las Vegas on May 13, 2005. She was kept in Las Vegas for 10 months, during which she was beaten, hospitalized with a broken jaw, forced to work at an escort service and arrested for solicitation of prostitution.

Jessie is known by all who know her as a good girl, a good person, and certainly not one to go to another country and work in the illegal sex-trade. Jessie was forced into that life after she was taken away from the security of her family and friends and beaten and brainwashed to do as she was told.

Jessie is Canada’s most well-known missing human trafficking victim and she has become a ‘poster-child’ for this crime nationally and internationally. People around the world pray for Jessie’s return, at the same time they are very grateful to have learned about this horrific crime that took this beautiful daughter, sister, friend away.

Jessie’s mother does anything and everything she can to raise awareness about her daughter’s disappearance with the hopes that she is found (alive or not, Jessie needs to come home). Hosting a BlogTalkRadio show about the missing & exploited and human trafficking (http://tinyurl.com/GlendenesBTRshow), giving very important human trafficking awareness presentations around the country at high schools, colleges and universities and for other organizations that are fighting to combat human trafficking – including being invited by the City of Moncton, New Brunswick to speak at their REALITY vs. MYTH human trafficking conference next month. The keynote speaker for that event is Victor Malarek, from CTV’s W5 and the author of the anti-human trafficking books: THE NATASHA and THE JOHNS. (Link to event: http://tinyurl.com/MonctonNB-RealityVsMyth)

Jessie’s case has been written about in at least 8 books; told about in documentaries; and it has been in hundreds of newspaper & magazine articles; radio interviews and TV news broadcasts.

Jessie had a song written for her by songwriter Nigel Graham from the United Kingdom called “JESSIE’S SONG” and available on iTunes and Amazon for just 99¢ to download. Nigel’s songs have been written about in the news several times, and Jessie’s case has been in the London, England newspaper twice. (Sunderland Echo, London, England articles: http://tinyurl.com/JessieSongSunderlandEcho / http://tinyurl.com/BenSongSunderlandEcho / iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/JessieSongiTunes / Amazon:http://tinyurl.com/JessieSongAMAZON)  

In May to coincide with International Missing Children’s Day on the 25th (and coincidentally, Jessie’s 28th birthday on the 27th) there will be a video released by Australian singer/songwriter/musician Lee Safar called “PROJECT MISSING SWEET ANGEL”(whose music can be heard on the soundtrack of the Twilight movie series) to go with her song called “SWEET ANGEL”, which will have 25 posters of missing people, including Jessie. THIS WILL BE RELEASED INTERNATIONALLY. (Website:http://leesafar.com / Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5wWLB8iED8)

It was an exciting week on the She Has A Name front with a series of interviews and stories in the media and a reading from act one of the play in Calgary at Mount Royal University.  I’m grateful to the people giving the play airtime, for our PR Wizard who is helping us to get the word out, and for people on the ground locally who are picking up the story because they believe in it, and want to see us succeed.

The week was a whirlwind in a good way.  It invigorated our team and encourages us to press on. We certainly have momentum.  Our funding is trickling in, but we’re not there yet.

As I reflected on the play, having been asked to share why I wrote it in the first place, I was a little perplexed.  What a question to answer!  Perhaps it should be an easy one to tackle.  I’ve answered it a number of times but answering the same question repeatedly has a way, for me at least, of starting to sound unconvincing.  And I wanted to be really connected to what I said; authentic.

It became even more clear to me how much the justice movement needs the arts as I attended the event at MRU.  It was great to connect with Dr. John Winterdyk and very sobering to hear Yvon Dandurand speak about the realities of human trafficking and the progress countries are making to take on the issue on a global scale. There’s so much work to be done, and the cold hard facts of the issue – the enormity of it, the seeming insignificance of what we’ve accomplished despite the urgency of what needs to be done to help victims – are certainly daunting.

The arts can and will compel many into action as they bring us together in our common humanity.  Story is a way in. Imagining one life, one human story, enables us to imagine and believe that we can do something to address the unimaginable, helping one person in need. Imagine if one hundred, a thousand, one million people were compelled to help someone in this way?

I was grateful for the opportunity to present a portion of the play to an audience, to hear it again, to confront and to be confronted by the issue, remembering that the soul needs to bear witness to such difficult realities and not turn away.  I’m constantly encouraged that there are so many people willing to bravely look into the darkness and who refuse to let it win.

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If you have a moment, check out some of the coverage we’ve received in the press this week:

- CBC’s Homestretch
- The Express
- The Gauntlet
- Victoria News

Burnt Thicket Theatre gives reading of She Has A Name at MRU human trafficking event

Theatre Company reaches halfway point in bid to raise funds to take critically acclaimed play across Canada in 2012

Calgary, Alberta (February 01, 2012) – Burnt Thicket Theatre (BTT) is proud to present a reading from She Has A Name at Mount Royal University’s “They Have a Name” event on February 16, an evening focused on the disturbing topic of human trafficking.  Cast members from the 2011 world premiere, (Cari Russell and Glenda Warkentin), will join director Stephen Waldschmidt in a staged reading of the first act of Andrew Kooman’s critically acclaimed play. BTT and Raise Their Voice are planning a six-month cross-Canada tour later this year.

The February 16 event features Yvon Dandurand, a leading international expert in the modern slave trade and criminal justice, who will bring his keynote address, along with a book signing by John Winterdyk, Director of Mount Royal University’s Centre for Criminology & Justice Research, who co-edited the recently published Human Trafficking: Exploring the International Nature, Concerns, and Complexities. “They Have a Name” is an event sponsored by the Faculty of Continuing Education, and the presentations will be followed by an informal reception.

The 2012 Tour of She Has A Name has a unique role to play in shaping Canada’s culture and Canadians’ response to the global industry of sex trafficking. “She Has a Name is a powerful piece of theatre that will shock and motivate Canadians from Halifax to Victoria to take action,” says Waldschmidt. “I’m also grateful to report that we’re halfway to our goal of fundraising $120,000 by February 29 in order to get the show on the road.”

Burnt Thicket Theatre and Raise Their Voice are soliciting sponsorship from corporations, small businesses, non-profit and religious organizations, as well as donations from the private sector.

WHAT: “They Have a Name – Human Trafficking” WHEN: February 16, 2012, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM WHERE: EC 1050 in the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary COST: Regular Rate: $35+GST (CRN 31024) Nonprofit Rate: $30+GST (CRN 31025) MRU Alumni/Faculty/Staff Rate: $25+GST (CRN 31027) Student Rate: $15+GST (CRN 31026)   HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension Registration Services: (403) 440-3833 or www.mtroyal.ca/conted/register Toll-free 1-877-287-8001 Please quote Course Registration Number (CRN) Event website:http://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/ContinuingEducation/TheyHaveAName/index.htm

I was thrilled to learn last week that She Has A Name was selected to be in the 25th Victoria Fringe Festival, August 25 – September 4, 2012.

The tour is becoming more and more real.  It’s an incredible experience, really.  Stepping out on that limb to bring it to life, with an amazing team of talented people who believe in the story and all that it means.  We’re excited about producing powerful and meaningful theatre.

We’ve set a critical deadline to raise $120,ooo by February 29.  We see this as a must-meet funding goal by this deadline.  If we don’t reach it, we can’t move forward.  I’m pleased to report that we have raised $55,000 toward that goal.  We’re nearly half way there.  I’m amazed, but not surprised, at the generous and incredible support of audiences, friends, family who are believing with us and working alongside us to make the tour a reality:

Insert the thermometer graphic here. No, we are not the United Way.  But we have our own graphic.  Look at us go!

Thanks for walking with us, believing in me, and championing this play.  I can’t wait!  What a Spring, Summer and Fall it will be.

This is how the tour is shaping up (stars beside the place and date indicate we’re pretty darn sure we’ll be there – for sure at the Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary and Victoria Fringes!):

Lethbridge | May 23 – 27*

Saskatoon | May 30 – June  3

Ottawa | June 6 – June 10

Montreal | June 14 – 24*

Halifax | July 3 – 8

Winnipeg | July 18 – 29*

Calgary | August 3 – 11*

Edmonton | August 16 – 26

Victoria | August 24 – September 3*

Vancouver | September 6 – 16

Kelowna | September 17 – 30

Red Deer | October 1 – 6*

Thematman put together this promo for the She Has A Name tour.  Looking forward to uploading more interviews with the creative team and some actors in the upcoming weeks.

We’re looking for different ways to make the tour a reality.  If you have ideas, connections, or resources that would help, please drop me a line!

You can learn all about the tour here.

Was happy to get the latest issue of Eye See Magazine in the mail this week.  The magazine’s co-founder, Darcie Nolan, flew up to Canada to see the premiere of She Has A Name and features the play in their Freedom issue.  Looking forward to reading through the magazine which continues to get better with age!

If you’re looking for ways to learn about different justice issues or want to be inspired by stories from around the world of people making a real difference, I encourage you to subscribe to the magazine. You’ll be motivated and equipped to address justice issues once you have the publication in your hand!

Visit them online!  You’ll be glad you did: eyeseeonline.com

Sex+ Money: A National Search for Human Worth is a profound and moving film that looks at the reality of child-sex trafficking in the United States.  I had the privilege to work alongside members of the crew who authored a book about the issue and have been following their story ever since.

I was able to see the film and catch up with the filmmakers in person when it was screened in Vancouver, BC earlier in the year.  It deeply impacted me.  The film is a must-see.  The filmmakers are humble heralds of a difficult but important message.  I’ve been inspired to follow their journey across the USA as they get the word out that trafficking isn’t just something that happens “over there, away from where we live,” but exists, even thrives, in our back yards.

If you’ve followed my website, you’ve met some of the crew before, via interviews I shared here and on RaiseTheirVoice.com [Check out my Qs with Morgan Perry, Autumn Mason and Timothy Dyk 1 | 2 | 3]

Scott introducing the film at University of North Carolina -- Photo courtesy blog.sexandmoneyfilm.com

I caught up with Scott Martin, one of the 5 journalists who interviewed countless experts and individuals about the issue across the USA for the film.  I connected with Scott via email while he was on the road near the end of the 50-state tour.

Andrew Kooman: How many cities have you visited and how many times have you screened the film? How many more times will you screen the film on tour?

Scott Martin: Well as of  November 16, we have screened the film in 46 states, a total of 77 times. I’m not certain on the city total. I believe we have 11 more screenings left to do on the tour.

AK: What does a regular day on tour look like?

SM: Each day is quite different. Of course there’s always the menial tasks which need to get done. Washing, cleaning, finding food, loading and unloading merch to take to events, and packing up your stuff getting ready to move on to the next location; but there is also meeting with many abolitionists, seeing students across the nation becoming aware of this injustice and answering their questions, getting to know the gracious hosts who let us sleep in their homes.

AK: I know you’re traveling with an entourage. Who have you brought on tour with you and what are they all up to?

Filmmakers Autumn Mason, Timothy Dyk, Sarah-Jo Sampson, Scott Martin and Morgan Perry(from Left to Right --Photo courtesy blog.sexandmoneyfilm.com

SM: We certainly have an entourage. Of course there are the 5 journalists from the film. Tim, Sarah-jo, Autumn, Morgan and myself. We each take turns introducing at the events and moderating the panel discussion which follows at the university events. Tim is also quite busy with keeping up the tour blog for everyone to follow what we see happening on the road. Morgan and Autumn are also the executive and line producers for the film, so they are providing leadership from within in that regard.

Also with us are Andy Hewson and Samuel Taipale, our media team. Samuel takes amazing photographs of the tour and at each event, some of which are posted in the blog; while Andy shoots video to create a film for us which documents the tour. Andy was also one of the videographers in the filming of the documentary.

We also have a worship team traveling with us to lead worship at our faith based events. That team includes Isaac Gill, Megan Perry, Jasen Chung, Chris Conley, and Joseph Swanson. Isaac also is one of the associate producers of the film and provides leadership within the group. Last but not least we have Jeff Ball, Lindsay Diederichs and Sarah Mason. Jeff and Lindsay are also on the leadership team, helping coordinate events and finances while Sarah has been the bus driver for the tour enduring the many long hours on the road to get us from one event to the next.

AK:  What was your role in the film? What is your role on tour?

SM: I was able to provide the motorhome that we used on the initial filming trip, as well as raise a few thousand dollars to help kick off the tour. Personally, I was one of the five journalists who travelled the nation documenting the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking. On tour I was helping with the motorhome daily maintenance before it’s tragic failure in Florida, as well as introducing our film and group at events and moderating panels following the university events.

AK:  Why are you screening the film on college campuses and with faith communities?

SM: We wanted to reach both of these demographics specifically. We know that college students are very interested in social justice initiatives. What a better time to grab someone’s attention and heart for an issue than when they are deciding how to use the skills that they are acquiring through their education. We are also screening the film in churches across the United States. We know that this problem does not just exist outside the Church. We believe we must see a move of repentance and revival of the Church in our nation forsaking participation and apathy to this injustice.

AK:  What is your hope as you screen the film – do you have specific outcomes in mind that you want to realize?

SM: We want to see people more specifically educated and aware about this issue through the film. At each screening we are selling merchandise of which 75% of the proceeds are going to a restoration home in Phoenix, AZ. We are also taking offerings for regional restoration homes at our events.

AK:  How have audiences received the film so far? Do you notice a difference in the way people from your different audience demographics respond to the film?

SM: Audiences have been very receptive to the film and it’s message. There is definitely a different response from our faith based screenings than that of our university screenings, but that is also due to the parameters of those events. Overall everyone has been very encouraging after the film and grateful to have it brought to them.

AK:  How are you encouraging audiences, state by state, to further engage the issue after seeing the film?

SM: At each event we are trying to have local organizations represented, so that after the film people are able to connect immediately to local initiatives that they could potentially become involved with.

AK: . What’s a practical next step of action for individuals whose eyes are newly opened to the reality of trafficking in the USA to take to fight trafficking?

SM: A really practical next step is to pass on the word. As you find out about the issue, pass on the knowledge to your community around you. You don’t have to quit your job to become an advocate, you can be raising awareness in your everyday conversations. From there it’s really up to you, there are a plethora of ways you can get involved locally, nationally, or internationally.

The tour bus -- Photo courtesy blog.sexandmoneyfilm.com

AK:  How did your partnership with Exodus Cry develop and why is it important to you to connect the modern abolition movement with a prayer movement?

SM: From the very beginning of production Morgan, who is the executive producer, felt that this film had to be tied with the prayer movement. Exodus Cry is a human trafficking focus within IHOP, the International House of Prayer. We believe that this is not only a physical reality but also a spiritual one, and that we must confront both together. The production of this film was done with an intercessory prayer team traveling right alongside of us. From the very beginning this whole project has been birthed and bathed in prayer.

AK:  What are some major lessons you’ve learned about the nature of human trafficking and exploitation through your work on this project?

SM: Gosh. Well, without writing a book… This is a cultural problem at its roots, there are some major systemic social issues in this injustice. Broken homes, fatherlessness, and the cultural acceptance of the commercialization of sexuality. In many ways we all contribute to the demand for trafficking through our everyday transactions in what we say is permissible through our watching, contributing, and being apathetic to it’s presence. I think what I’ve learned is that we sincerely need to address the demand, and the permissible attitude towards this behavior.

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Purchase the DVD and learn more about the film at the official website

Follow Scott Martin and Sex+Money on twitter

Images courtesy SexandMoneyFilm.com

Read more interviews between Andrew and other artists, activists and bold thinkers here

Here’s a video my brother Matt put together to highlight the Ride for Refuge in Red Deer, the first ever Alberta ride!

Here’s some photos [page 1 | page 2] of the incredible day we spent riding out at Gull Lake.

And here’s some background on why I love people more than I hate bike seats, anyway.

MP Joy Smith Proposes Criminal Code Amendments to Enhance Canada’s Trafficking In Persons Offences

Ottawa, ON: Monday, Conservative Member of Parliament Joy Smith introduced a Private Members’ Bill to make two important amendments that will help combat modern day slavery in Canada and abroad.

The Private Members’ Bill, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons), will amend the current trafficking in persons offence by providing an evidentiary aid to courts that enhances the definition of exploitation.

“Currently, the definition of exploitation in the human trafficking offence does not provide specific examples of exploitive conduct. As I spoke to prosecutors and law enforcement across Canada, I began to hear of the challenges this presented,” said MP Joy Smith. “My amendment will add an evidentiary aid for the Court to provide clear examples of exploitation such as the use of threats, violence, coercion, and fraudulent means.”

Secondly, the Bill will amend the Criminal Code to enable Canadian human traffickers to be prosecuted in Canada when the offence occurs outside of Canada.

“Human trafficking is an egregious crime that is often carried out across international borders,” said MP Joy Smith. “While Canada has adopted stiff penalties for criminals who traffic victims into, through, and from Canada, it is important that we also prosecute Canadians who traffic or enslave vulnerable populations in other countries.”

MP Smith’s Private Members’ Bill has already received strong support from Canadian human trafficking experts, survivors and non-governmental organizations:

Prof. Benjamin Perrin, University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law, and author of Invisible Chains: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking (Penguin, 2011)

“Human traffickers have evaded prosecution for their heinous crimes, in part, because Canada’s criminal laws are not explicit enough to clearly encompass the range of tactics employed by these serial exploiters. Member of Parliament Joy Smith is again responding to concerns by police and victims’ groups in seeking to amend our human trafficking laws to hold traffickers accountable and protect victims. I call on all Parliamentarians to support this initiative.”

Jamie McIntosh, Executive Director, International Justice Mission Canada
“The crime of human trafficking often transgresses international boundaries, with vulnerable men, women, and children subject to its devastating reach. Human traffickers, including those of Canadian nationality, will persist in their illicit trade if they believe their crimes will go unpunished. Extending authority to prosecute Canadians for human trafficking crimes committed abroad is an important step in the global fight against human trafficking. As a nation, we must commit to prosecuting Canadian nationals who commit these crimes, regardless of geographical location at the time of offence.”

Timea Nagy, Program Director, Walk With Me
“As an internationally trafficked survivor, who has been working with Canadian law enforcement to help human trafficking victims, I am absolutely thrilled to see this legislation presented by Mrs. Smith. It is clear, that Mrs. Smith has consulted professionals, experts from the field, and listened. This Bill will help Canadian law enforcement and prosecutors to be able to do their job and send a message to traffickers around the world, that Canada does not tolerate this crime against human dignity.”

K. Brian McConaghy, Founding Director, Ratanak International
“It is imperative that Canada continues to maintain and enhance a position of strength combating modern day slavery both domestic and international. It is a given that we must protect those weak among us who are at risk of being trafficked. It is no less important that we protect those in other countries from Canadian predators who would traffic in human lives. Such Canadians must be held fully accountable for their actions. This amendment, conforming to international legal norms, positions Canada to do just that and as such is to be commended.”

Shae Invidiata, Founder, [free-them]
“In conjunction with The Act and The Purpose, The United Nations deems a case to be human trafficking if ‘threatened of’ or ‘use of violence, force, coercions, fraudulent misrepresentation or fraudulent means’ is used. Without any hesitation these methods constitute exploitation and, in supporting Mrs. Smith’s Private Members Bill, should be amended into the Criminal Code of Canada.”

Prior to presenting her Private Members’ Bill today, MP Joy Smith will be recognized for her anti-human trafficking efforts. UN Women Canada National Committee will be honouring her at a special luncheon with the UN Women Canada 2011 Recognition of Achievements Award.

MP Joy Smith has placed fourth on the Order of Precedence for Private Members’ Business. The Order of Precedence consists of the items of Private Members’ Business that are scheduled for debate in the House and is chosen randomly at the beginning of each Parliament. In 2009, MP Joy Smith placed third on the Order of Precedence and brought forward Bill C-268. This legislation successfully passed into law creating Canada’s first child trafficking offence with mandatory minimum sentences.