Delacroix's Boat: Misery & Migrants

The World Socialist Web Site article focuses on the play "The Drifting," which portrays the tragic drowning of 27 migrants in the English Channel in November 2021. The play, written by Chris Bush and directed by Katie Posner, is highlighted for its artistic merit in bringing to life the individual stories and desperate circumstances that led these individuals to risk their lives in search of a better future. The article emphasizes the play's ability to humanize the victims, representing them not as statistics but as individuals with hopes, dreams, and families. It contrasts this with the dehumanizing rhetoric often employed by governments and the media, which often portrays migrants as a threat or a problem. The article critiques the systemic issues that contribute to the migrant crisis, including wars, poverty, and political instability. It suggests that the drowning is a consequence of deliberate policies and practices that make legal migration routes difficult or impossible, forcing individuals to turn to dangerous alternatives. It also condemns the role of smugglers who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit. The article concludes that "The Drifting" serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of restrictive immigration policies and the urgent need for a more humane and just approach to migration. It challenges audiences to confront the reality of the migrant crisis and to consider the responsibility of governments and societies in addressing its root causes. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/06/kdpg-m06.html