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 Dawn McLeod is the director of Time and Space, an episodic play written by and staring three real street-level sex workers. (CARMINE MARINELLI, 24 HOURS) |
Vancouver’s sex trade workers are finding a voice through theatre.
While issues surrounding prostitution and the Downtown Eastside remain commonplace on newsreels, society rarely gets a glimpse into the people tangled in the dangerous web.
But that emotional barrier is about to come down with the opening of Time and Space, a community-based play starring three sex-trade workers willing to bring audiences into their world and share their fears, hopes and dreams.
Local director Dawn McLeod has – under the How About Now Project banner – teamed up with community service providers RainCity Housing, PACE, PEERS and Hustle for the unique production, which is funded by the BC Arts Council.
“I think there is a big gap between Greater Vancouver and sex-trade workers,” McLeod told 24 hours. “Here, three of them wrote the script about experiences they’ve witnessed and encountered. I think it’s going to break a bit of the barrier down. They do it with honesty, heart and humour.”
Time and Space kicks off Wednesday May 26 at the Dunsmuir International Village at 500 Dunsmuir Street and runs until Saturday, May 29.
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All shows are at 7 p.m., and discussion forums are held each night after the show starting May 27.
Tickets are $15, though DTES residents get free admission if they sign up in advance.