Play raises awareness of sex trafficking in TN

Posted: Nov 14, 2014 10:51 PM ESTUpdated: Nov 28, 2014 10:51 PM EST

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) –After recent raids at several massage parlors for prostitution, there’s a new awareness of sex trafficking and a push to stop it. At the Tennessee Performing Arts Center Friday, a theater production joined the effort. Princess Cut, an original play of music and monologues, tells the true story of a Knoxville native, trafficked as a child by her own family members.The goal of the show is to create conversation and provide education with the hope of writing a positive ending to thousands of girls’ darkest days. “It can be very awkward issue to talk about,” said Danielle Roos, the play’s director and co-writer. “The kind of theater we’re interested in doing at Yellow Rose Productions is the kind of theater that gives people a different perspective on some part of life. And when we heard her story, it was the kind of story we wanted to bring to life and do something about.”The production was followed by a panel discussion of what sex trafficking looks like in Nashville.It was led by Jerry Redman with Second Life Chattanooga, Karen Karpinski of End Slavery Tennessee and Matt Dixon with the Nashville Metro Police Department.”Eighty-percent of the girls trafficked in the U.S are American girls. How can this happen in middle class, suburban families?” Roos said.

The average age of sex trafficking in Tennessee is 13 years old. If you’re a victim, or suspect it in your circle, call the TBI hotline at 855-558-6484 or contact the Sexual Assault Center of Nashville or End Slavery Tennessee.

Princess Cut takes the stage again Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Theater.

Copyright 2014 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

View the interview here: http://www.wsmv.com/story/27391978/play-raises-awareness-of-sex-trafficking-in-tn