However, on Saturday night , students and community members were exposed to the underground world that exists in MSU’s own backyard.
Third-year law student Yassaman Haji-Valizadeh hosted “Cries for Freedom,” a fictional and theatrical depiction of the issue, in the Wharton Center.
“Cries for Freedom” told the fictional story of three girls who are sold into sexual slavery in the capital area.
The 2.5 hour-long play discussed how the girls were locked in a basement for two years.
The only time they were allowed to leave was to have sex with strangers.
In between each act, other characters would dance to songs such as “Power’ by Kanye West and “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities to add a strong visual element to the events of the play.
After finally escaping and finding support, the girls, who were sexually, mentally and physically abused, were able to bring the perpetrator to justice in the final scene.
First-year law student Temara Marcus said she has only known about sex trafficking though Lifetime television shows and movies. She said she was glued to the performance because of its shock value.
“I really think that this a good point of discussion and to realize that this is happening in our backyards,” Marcus said. “It’s powerful.”
After the play was over, a representative from The House of Promise , a safe haven in Lansing for victims of sexual abuse, had a chance to speak.
The home provides counseling and training in basic life skills so victims of sex trafficking can start over in life without returning to their abductors.
“For me, it’s a reminder that there are so many loopholes in the legal system that we need to work on,” said Patricia Jjemba, a first-year law student. “It’s invigorating because we have the power to change it.”
Communication sophomore Alexis Sims went to the show just to see something new on campus. When she began watching the show, she was appalled.
But she was satisfied with the ending and how the girls in the play were able to get justice.
“I like how they didn’t just make you aware of the problem, they showed somewhat of a solution to the problem,” said Sims.
