Modern slavery is one of the first social injustice issues we looked into and our first premiere coincided with Oxford’s Bullfinch investigation into sexual abuse. Over time, we developed a production that looked into several issues; domestic servitude, sex trafficking and forced labour. Our research brought some horrifying statistics to light.
We have made two productions that relate to modern slavery. BOUND is set in and around a hotel and explores the exploitation of domestic, construction and sex workers. ON EDGE takes place on a building site, its focus is on forced labour in the construction industry.
We had support and insights about the exploitation of workers in the hotel industry from SHIVA Foundation who have been working to promote anti-slavery in hospitality organisations. Case studies of victims came from Hope for Justice, The Salvation Army, Medaille Trust and Unseen, all of which have programmes for supporting victims of slavery. During rehearsals we heard presentations from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority about the methods perpetrators used, further explored with the Chartered Institute of Building who are working to completely eradicate modern slavery from the construction industry and Staffline who shared information about recruitment practices and investigations.
The term ‘modern slavery’ covers a range of situations in which the exploitation of others occur. People can be manipulated into acting against their will, by perpetrators who may threaten to cause harm. Click on the buttons below to read about the differences between commonly used methods of coercion.
Modern Slavery Helpline
0800 012 1700
Salvation Army Confidential Referral Helpline
0800 808 3733
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority Report Problems
0800 432 0804