Chelsea's Story Virtual Play & Talkback

This event is virtual and free.

Chelsea’s Story is based on a true story. It centres on a group of three students who discover the diary of a 15-year-old girl named Chelsea, who is targeted and groomed by a man posing as her boyfriend to be trafficked for sex. Chelsea’s Story was written by Sean McGrath from Alter Ego Creative Solutions in the UK for people as young as 12 to understand what trafficking is about and the ways in which those who are vulnerable, particularly girls and young women tend to be targeted and groomed.

Who Should Come?

All performances are open to the general public. The February 22 showing invites parents, caregivers, and the general public to take part in the facilitated talkback around Anti-Human Sex Trafficking and exploitation in Waterloo Region geared specifically to this audience.

• Feb 22 - 6:00pm Chelsea's Story Performance (talkback for general public)
• Feb 23 - 6:00pm Chelsea's Story Performance (talkback for families with optional Arabic translation)
• Feb 25 - 1:00pm Chelsea's Story Performance (talkback for families)

As a whole, the production is of particular interest to three different groups:

• Young people (aged12+)
• Parents, caregivers, teachers, and professionals working with children & youth
• Law enforcement and people in the hospitality industry

Warning: Although this play is written for people as young as 12, there are some scenes that are disturbing. We recommend that children be accompanied by a caring adult as it may trigger some viewers. If you need support at any time, 24h support is available through SASC's Support line 519.741.8633

The play has been seen by over 10, 000 young people & thousands of professionals in the UK, and over 1000 here in Waterloo Region and has proven highly effective at covering:

• What makes a Healthy Relationship
• What makes an Unhealthy Relationship
• Safe Internet Use/Sexting
• Recognizing exploitation and understanding grooming
• Avoiding Victim Blaming
• Where to go for help & advice

For adult audiences it also:

• Raises awareness of the warning signs of exploitation
• Raises awareness of the journey that young people may have been on that has resulted in them being exploited – a journey that can all too easily make it seem as though they have ‘made their own choices and can leave them not seeing themselves as victims and fighting against any intervention.

This play is written as a tool to understand and recognize exploitation, what to do if they see it and how to keep themselves and their friends safe. We had the opportunity to show it to 450 grade 7 and 8 students in 2019 and they were really engaged both with the play and in the after performance talk back. Feedback for the teachers and parents at other shows was also very positive.

"The only thing that can help is spreading awareness to kids, and honestly just anybody." - Grade 7 Student Audience Member 2019

#KnowtheSigns | #EndHumanTrafficking | #ChelseasStoryWR

The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASCWR) offers a specialized Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Using a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and feminist approach, this program provides wrap-around services to those experiencing sexual exploitation and those who are at risk within Waterloo Region. Services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. This program is accessible to all genders ages 12 and up and is available regardless of immigration status.

Human Sex Trafficking is the sale of humans for sex and it is growing in Waterloo region. Sex Trafficking is organized and lucrative. Girls as young as 12 are lured and trapped into sex trafficking through promises of romance and adventure. Our Joint Waterloo Region Guelph Wellington Human Trafficking Unit laid 45 Criminal Charges pertaining to Human Trafficking in 2020, 121 Criminal Charges pertaining to Human Trafficking in 2021. Awareness is the first step towards action.

The MT Space exists to explore cultural intersections amongst people, their histories, and their forms of expression. Drawing upon the wealth of multicultural identities living in the Waterloo Region, The MT Space aims to increase activity between performance artists of many disciplines, cultural backgrounds and styles of practice.

Priorities:

• Bringing together culturally diverse artists to share ideas and to collaborate in the development of new forms of theatrical expression.
• Give professional immigrant artists an opportunity to pursue their careers and take part in shaping Canadian culture.
• Create, produce and present contemporary productions locally, nationally and internationally.
• Contribute to the development of a vibrant and inclusive community.