Recently, a theatrical play known as Butakoci was staged to raise awareness about a pressing issue faced by many nations: human trafficking. This unique production featured a blend of song, dance, and storytelling to engage the audience on the topic.
The initiative was supported by the Fiji Government, USAID, and The Asia Foundation. Talei Draunibaka, the lead consultant for Butakoci, shared insights about the production’s mission. Talei, who has been involved in the arts for over 24 years, collaborated with other artists like Savuto Vakadewavosa and Kathleen Waqa to create the songs for the play.
“This performance serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about human trafficking, as it’s a real issue affecting our youth and community,” Talei explained. The production combined contemporary dance with themes related to modern human trafficking and highlighted Fiji’s historical context of indentured labor and blackbirding.
Talei emphasized the importance of the arts in conveying the message that human trafficking is an ongoing concern in Fiji, stating, “This has been happening for over 100 years.” She views the arts as a crucial platform for discussing difficult subjects and hopes it will encourage more public dialogue, ultimately helping to combat the issue within society.
She expressed pride in using the arts to raise awareness and noted the significance of connecting past narratives to present circumstances. “We must explore stories that need to be shared to break the culture of silence and foster change.”
Talei acknowledged the support from the Asia Foundation and USAID, expressing gratitude for their help in enabling this cultural exploration. She undertook extensive research, including interviews with individuals affected by trafficking, to inform her scriptwriting.
The characters in Butakoci are fictional but are based on real experiences, illustrating the ongoing nature of this issue. The songwriting process challenged Talei, as she needed to fully immerse herself in the experiences of victims to accurately convey their emotions.
The production featured four original songs, alongside a traditional folk song, showcasing a collaborative artistic effort that included several dancers and musicians. Talei’s previous experience in orchestrating tributes to Fijian classic songs aided her in the creative process for Butakoci.
Her goal with this production is to spark meaningful discussions and, hopefully, facilitate societal change. Talei hopes that through this initiative, she can connect with audiences on a deeper level and inspire them to address the vulnerabilities leading to trafficking.
Ultimately, she expressed her commitment to ensuring her work as an artist contributes positively to the world, focusing on the causes that matter. “Every challenge I faced was worth it, as it was a necessary sacrifice for the greater good.”