For Immediate Release
Press Release
Suva, Fiji – July 19, 2024: “Butakoci”, which premiered at the Suva Civic Centre Auditorium on Tuesday, July 16, reveals the brutality and inhumanity of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) through a dramatic performance.
The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with The Asia Foundation, supported Butakoci's production to promote action against TIPs across Fiji's government agencies, civil society, and communities.
USAID Pacific Islands Mission Director Zema Semunegus said that the USAID-supported Butakoci ‘Stolen’ Dance Theatre Production highlights the fight against human trafficking through powerful stories from the Girmit indentured system, blackbirding, and modern-day trafficking.
The songs featured in the Butakoci performance span different historical trafficking contexts.
The timeline highlights the persistence of exploitation over time, making the performance a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring action.
“We are committed to supporting governments and local partners in eliminating modern forms of slavery and trafficking in persons,” said Semunegus.
Butakoci, curated by local artist Talei Draunibaka and other prominent artists, was made possible through the support of the USAID-funded and The Asia Foundation-implemented Pacific Regional Initiative and Support for More Effective Counter-Trafficking in Persons (Pacific RISE-CTIP) program.
The premiere is an important step in awareness raising about TIP in the lead-up to World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.
Butakoci performances will be held twice daily at 3pm and 6pm on July 18 and 19 at the Suva Civic Centre Auditorium. Entry is free.
