History Of The Louisiana Living History Project |
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Since 1997, the Louisiana Living History Project has been an unqualified success, as the Historic Characters receive positive feedback from the hospitality industry, businesses, out of town visitors and locals who actively seek out the group year-to-year. Each December, national and regional media focus their attention on the Historica Characters, with color photographs and TV appearances that encourage visitors to come to New Orleans during December to celebrate Christmas, New Orleans Style. The company employs some of the finest, award-winning actors in New Orleans, and operates under Actors Equity "TRADE SHOW" rules for multiple sites. Harold Evans and Mikko Macchione serve as the Artistic Director and Assistant Director for the Project. The Project Director/Company Manager is Gloria Powers, a cultural anthropologist and special events coordinator. Costumer/Wardrobe Coordinator is Veronica Russell, who also portrays Storyville Madame, Josie Arlington. Close attention to historical accuracy combined with practical adaptations create an ensemble look of exceptional merit. The Louisiana Living History Project began in 1997, under the auspices of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. Costumed characters developed from Louisiana history appear in salon and tableau during the month of December at a variety of locations in New Orleans historic French Quarter, entertaining and educating visitors and locals with tales and songs from this multi-cultural northern capital of the Caribbean in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The members of the Living History company are well trained professionals and not just actors in costumes. They become the characters they portray and are accomplished at creating intimate street theatre. The cast is ethnically balanced, with performers representing Creoles, Americans, and Free People of Color (Gens de Couleur Libres) of various classes. they appear in authentic costumes designed to work historically and visually. The actors are given accurate information to incorporate into their daily conversations with briefings provided by docents from the historic homes and museums in the French Quarter and historians. The actors receive training on the architectural and social history of the French Quarter and convey an understanding of "a day in the life" of the characters portrayed. The goal is to achieve a reverse Williamsburg effect, with the actors never breaking “character” while on duty. A “salon” performance allows for solo presentations, and opportunities for the characters to tell their individual stories to their audience, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the characters as real people. The Historic Characters appear on weekends in December and at special events by request. They may be seen in Jackson Square, strolling Royal and Chartres Streets and appeared in French Quarter hotel lobbies. The company can be contacted for bookings at special events, parties, conventions. As knowledgeable historians they can serve as speakers or hosts for a variety of occasions. Louisiana Living History Project 504 - 948 - 0323 Home office |