The River and the Raft, An Intimate Night of Dramatic Monologue Readings Based on Modern-Day Slavery Cases

The Thai Community Development Center presented an original production of monologue readings held at the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans Community Theater to give voice to the survivors of modern day slavery and commemorate the eighteen-year old battle that Thai CDC has been waging against this modern day scourge. True stories fused art with social justice to offer the audience an understanding of the trauma and ordeal experienced by those who had been manipulated and tricked into slavery. By simply purchasing a ticket, the commemoration and fundraiser gave the audience a means to support the fight against this human rights violation that has and continues to ensnare millions of people worldwide. All proceeds from the evening went to provide relief, education, counseling and advocacy for human trafficking survivors.

The intimate stories offered a raw and personal view into the lives of innocent people whose only motivation was to build a better life for their families by leaving their home to work abroad. Unfortunately, the problem of human trafficking in the United States disproportionately affects Thais. The evening’s performances highlighted this fact by presenting readings representing the different cases that Thai CDC has championed for almost two decades.

The unsettled audience left with a taste of the pain inflicted upon others and a dose of anger after realizing the humanity of a person can be stripped away; all in the name of greed. The conviction of the audience fueled by this indignation became quite apparent during the question and answer period fielded by Chanchanit Martorell, Executive Director of Thai CDC, and Prince Gomolvilas, producer and editor of The River and the Raft.

The River and the Raft instilled in the audience knowledge and awareness of human trafficking. The only way human trafficking can survive is by hiding in the shadows. By knowing the signs of human trafficking and modern day slavery, everyone who attended can now play a role in combating it.