History Of The Louisiana Living History Project |
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2008 is the 12th year for The Louisiana Living History Project under the auspices of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. under the auspices of the Ashe Cultural Arts Center. 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, songs and dances from the 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 grouped into "Suites" with a balance of classes represented appropriate to their designation, and authentic costumes designed to work historically and visually. The actors are given accurate information to incorporate into their daily conversations and briefings are provided by docents from the historic homes and museums in the French Quarter. 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. From the beginning, the project has been an unqualified success, as the historic characters receive positive feedback from the hospitality industry businesses, out of town visitors and locals that seek out an experience with the group. Each year national and regional media focus their attention on the group, with color photographs appearing around the country in travel sections that encourage visitors to come to New Orleans during December to celebrate Christmas, New Orleans Style. The company employs some of the finest actors in the city, and operates under Actors Equity "TRADE SHOW" rules for multiple sites. Award winning actors Harold Evans and Mikko Macchione serve as the Artistic Director and Assistant Director for the group. The Project Director/Company Manager is Gloria Powers, a cultural anthropologist and special events coordinator, The Costumer/Wardrobe Coordinator is Veronica Russell. Attention to historic accuracy combined with practical adaptations creates an ensemble look of exceptional merit. The company fiscal agent is the non-profit, Efforts of Grace/dba Ashe Cultural Arts Center at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. The cast appeared on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the month of December. The cast began each work day with a salon in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone at 11 am. They could 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 |