Diablo By Patricia Downey / Spanner in the Works Theatre Company

“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.  he who accepts evil without protesting it is really cooperating with it.”

A powerful play on human trafficking in Northern Ireland, which made its stage debut at the Lyric Theatre Belfast last year and has been touring the region in recent months, will be performed at the C Venues Edinburgh Fringe Festival this 1-13 August.

The play, entitled Diablo, has a small cast of 5 actors and is written by Patricia Downey, Artistic Director for Belfast based Spanner in the Works Theatre Company, which is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister David Ford, who attended both the opening production of Diablo in 2012 and a special production in a terraced house in Belfast in 2013, praised the Arts Council for funding the play.  He said: “This important play shines the spotlight on human trafficking and should highlight the plight of victims in a way that will help raise awareness of this evil crime.   The Department of Justice is working in partnership with law enforcement agencies and a wide range of others to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute the traffickers.”   Law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland recovered 16 potential victims during 2012/13.  David Ford encouraged everyone to play their part by reporting suspicious activity to the police or Crimestoppers.

Speaking about the play’s challenging subject matter, Patricia Downey commented: “Human trafficking is a fast growing criminal enterprise due to the fact it is relatively low risk but with a high profit potential.  Sadly, criminal organisations are increasingly attracted to human trafficking because, unlike drugs, humans can be sold repeatedly.  Diablo deals with the contentious matter of human trafficking that may go unnoticed right here in Northern Ireland.  We might not be aware of it or like to acknowledge it, but this form of human exploitation is happening right here on our doorstep and I hope this play serves to increase awareness and, in turn, save lives.  We’ve been touring the play in Northern Ireland and receiving great reviews and I’m now delighted to spread the message by bringing this play to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.”

“Diablo is a hard hitting play that deals with the taboo issue of human trafficking which, unfortunately, has been detected right here in Northern Ireland.   The Arts Council is committed to supporting local theatre and this production of Diablo at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will showcase the outstanding theatrical talent we have in the region. ” Gilly Campbell, Drama and Dance Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland

“I left the show quite literally speechless and with a renewed passion for the work that our organisation does to raise awareness of this issue. Patricia and her team leave no stone unturned as they unpack this complex crime in a riveting performance that is sure to move the hardest of hearts.”  Mel Wiggins of Project ‘FREEDOM ACTS’ Craigavon Intercultural Programme

Contact us for further information on the upcoming performances of Diablo.

NB: The play contains language and violence which might cause offence to some people. It also contains scenes which some people might find disturbing. The play is strictly for over 16’s.