The Street Performance

In the spring of 2014, I was presented with a unique challenge: to create a piece of work that ventured beyond my comfort zone of traditional 2D media and that involved public interaction. I eventually settled on a performance art concept, creating elaborate costumes and props to set a live human tableau, and I chose to use this opportunity to create art that would advocate for a social issue that weighs heavily on my mind and our contemporary world: human trafficking.

The project culminated in a live street performance in downtown Pittsburgh. Set against the historic courthouse, I stood barefoot in the cold rain, wearing a white tattered dress, black face paint, and rhinestones. The ensemble was a visual metaphor for the brokenness and suffering caused by human trafficking. I was chained together with one of my collaborators who was dressed in a harlequin costume and makeup, the Emancipation Proclamation pinned to her chest, symbolizing the broken silence of trafficking victims and the mockery of rights. A third collaborator wore mask and a plain t-shirt, representing the reality of everyday man – who can be the perpetrator buying sex, the unsuspecting individual becoming a victim, or an anonymous who could help to make a difference. A sign nearby proclaimed, “Auction Items for Sale,” further driving home the brutal reality of human trafficking. Despite the drizzly, freezing weather and sparse foot traffic, these elements heightened the intensity of the performance, making the experience all the more powerful, though egregiously under attended.

For the performance, we stood still as mannequins as passers went by. Other times, we handed out information pamphlets educating on the project and the issue of human trafficking.

The day was cold and rainy, resulting in little foot traffic, even with our chosen location near a bus stop. Though the engagement from the public was sparse, the reactions we did receive were telling. A few were interested in what we were doing and already passionate about the topic. Many were unfamiliar with the issue of human trafficking, some losing interest immediately and others responding with curiosity. Some were indifferent or even dismissive, reacting more to the visual spectacle than the message behind it. Most surprisingly, a small number of men found my tattered (yet still rather modest) dress and painted face very appealing, speaking and gesturing flirtatiously towards me (even while I was covered in painted symbols of slavery and dirty handprints) and completely ignoring the topic and information we spoke. Their reactions, albeit mild, really impressed upon me a micro view of our macro society – people who knew and wanted to help, people who wanted to help but didn’t know how, people who simply didn’t care, and people who were interested in buying into and perpetuating the problem. These varied responses highlighted the complexity of public awareness and the challenges in addressing deeply ingrained societal issues.

While the turnout was smaller than hoped, photographer Howard Kim masterfully captured the spirit of the performance, bringing depth and emotion to the project through his striking images. His work, along with the interactions we had with passersby, added layers of meaning to the experience.

Only 20-30 minutes into our performance, we were asked to vacate the area by security, notifying us that we would be arrested if we continued the street performance. Our performance cut short, we packed up and found another location to complete the project with a more in depth photoshoot.

Though unconventional and imperfect, this project was a powerful step forward in my mission to use art to address social issues, and it underscored the importance of persistence in advocacy. The varied reactions we encountered that day became just as important as the performance itself, highlighting both the challenges of engaging with the public with difficult subjects and the necessity of continuing to raising awareness about issues like human trafficking.

This project was a beautiful collaboration between myself and several other talented creators. While the project idea and direction is credited to me, I couldn’t have done it – nor would it have been so impactful – without the help of all of these wonderful people:

Stephanie Oplinger – Lead Artist, Creator & Organizer, Costume Designer, Performance Model
Howard Kim – Project & Performance Photographer
Courtney Lotz – Assistant Costume Designer, Performance Model
Krystal Ritenour – Pamphlet Design
Ruby Sobus – Pamphlet Photography
Ronald Hoffman – Performance Model
Kaitlin Davis – Performance Assistant
Daniel Blake – Film Music

Information on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

The Human Tableaux Project and the 365 Day Charity Project are both about raising awareness and money for the survivors of human trafficking and modern day slavery. The following is a compilation of information and resources about these current event issues:

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What can I do to help?

Glad you asked! There are many ways (including donations) that you can help, but here are just a few suggestions on ACTIONS you can take to get started making a difference:

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Matthew 25:40