Recently, a theatrical performance called Butakoci was staged for the first time to raise awareness about human trafficking, a pressing issue faced by numerous countries. This innovative production incorporated elements of song, dance, and storytelling to address the topic.
The initiative was supported by the Fiji Government, USAID, and The Asia Foundation. Talei Draunibaka, the lead consultant for Butakoci, elaborated on the vision behind the production. With over 24 years of experience in the arts, Talei utilized her writing and vocal talents, along with contributions from fellow artists Savuto Vakadewavosa and Kathleen Waqa, to create compelling songs for the performance.
“This stage performance serves as a crucial platform for sparking conversations about human trafficking,” she stated. “It’s a real issue that affects our youth and communities.”
Through contemporary dance, the Butakoci production explored modern human trafficking themes alongside a brief history of the practice in Fiji, highlighting its roots in indentured labor and blackbirding. Talei emphasized the importance of bringing awareness to the fact that human trafficking has been a concern for over a century in Fiji.
Using the arts as a medium to address such a significant issue is, according to her, a valuable opportunity. “We must confront this societal challenge,” said Talei, urging the need for collective dialogue to tackle the problem and integrate it into the national discourse.
Expressing pride in the arts sector’s role in raising awareness about human trafficking, she noted the importance of revisiting historical narratives, particularly the story of Lovoni, and encouraging public conversations to break the silence surrounding this issue.
Talei expressed gratitude for the support provided by USAID and The Asia Foundation, acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts in creating art that fosters dialogue. She undertook extensive research and interviews to gather insights on the lived experiences of trafficking victims and then adapted those stories into a script for the production.
While the characters in Butakoci are fictional, they are based on real events, reflecting the ongoing issue of human trafficking. Talei described her songwriting process as emotionally challenging, requiring her to empathize deeply with victims’ experiences to convey their struggles effectively.
During the recording phase, she faced the difficulty of finding the right musical elements to enhance the production’s heavy themes. Butakoci features four original songs, complemented by a traditional folk song, demonstrating a rich blend of artistry.
The production’s artistic team included Phil Dakei, Kathleen Waqa, Savuto Vakadewavosa, Nemani Vanua, and Viveka Nand, with participation from dance groups such as the University of the South Pacific and Shobna Chanel’s Mata group.
Talei, who previously directed a tribute to classic productions, found her experience beneficial in orchestrating Butakoci effectively. She emphasized her passion for storytelling and the intent to create a project that could drive societal change.
Ultimately, Talei expressed her commitment to using her artistic platform to foster dialogue and address critical issues surrounding human trafficking, highlighting the potential for positive change when the community engages in meaningful conversation about these topics.