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The plaintive narratives in Voices of Louisiana spoke profoundly and compassionately ...a reminder, for our times, of the human spirit’s capacity to endure beyond unthinkable circumstances.
Mary Ann Safrey, Drama Teacher,
Archbishop Malloy High School, New York
Voices is a compelling drama comprised of very human tales of courage and fear, of sadness and joy, of laugher and tears, of life and death. The most recurrent theme is also the most significant and serves to remind us that we live in a constant struggle between defiance and humility as we face the uncompromising forces of nature. The voices, and the struggles they recount, are valuable lessons for us all.
Hal Fulmer, Associate Provost,
Troy University, Alabama
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Thanks so much for inviting me to the Voices of Louisiana performance. I'm amazed at the talent of the actors and the genius of Barry Lemoine's writing. I haven't been able to stop talking and praising this play.
I, too, was touched by Katrina, but I think the laughter and the tears of this play captured all of our emotions. I haven't laughed and felt so light-hearted since August 29, 2005, and for this I thank you. We all need this to heal...Nancy Chase, New Orleans resident
I admire what Barry Lemoine has created for his community and I applaud him. It is inspiring to see someone channeling their gifts of creativity in such a productive way.
Diane Barth, Educational Consultant,
Louisiana Parks Services
Received from Megan Ring, of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, two days after our performace there:
First off, I want to say excellent job last night! All of you did a wonderful job and I enjoyed the show soooo much! I was writing hoping that you could pass on some information for me to the wonderful actress who played the Native American in the show (I didn't catch her name :S)(EDITOR'S NOTE - ACTRESS IS KATIE BETZ)
I never got to tell her why the end of your show made me so emotional. When Katrina hit, I was just an ordinary student here at UNO. I didn't know anyone who lived in New Orleans, or on the Gulf Coast anywhere. I'm originally from Minnesota. So, anyway, I knew as soon as it happened that I wanted to help any way I could. I was unable to go on the "Fall Break Trip" with Campus Crusade, which upset me, but I donated money when I could and held on for another chance. When spring break came, I was there.
My roommates and I joined Campus Crusade to form one of the biggest single groups Operation Blessing had ever seen. We were so honored to have the chance to help with the recovery effort directly. The week was incredible and we all arrived back in Omaha (to snow, no less) feeling like we left a part of our hearts in Slidell. The day after we got back, snow day, no school, we planned to come back. We were finally able to get back down the second week into the summer. We went down as a smaller, single group and worked together, most of the week in St. Bernard Parish. We worked for a single family, gutting their entire home. They lived on the edge of a neighborhood in a big two story house and were near enough to the levee to get 3-4 feet of water in their second story! We were so blessed to work with the Ledets, and it was an experience we will never forget. Typically, OB provides us with MREs for lunch, and Miss Joy just wouldn't have that. They cooked us cajun food EVERYDAY for lunch. Jambalaya, Gumbo, red beans and rice, and we cooked crawfish in the middle of the street in the middle of their demolished neighborhood. It was so amazing. I have never met a kinder family, one that was so appreciative of what we did. And we felt like we didn't do enough. We are planning on traveling down twice more, spring break and summer break of next year, to do whatever we possibly can. After all of this, after seeing the destruction first hand, I now feel like my heart is divided between the two opposite sides of our country. Slidell feels like home to me, the hospitality we felt and the warmth and love that surrounded us, it was like being home. Going back the second time was like that feeling like I'm sure you'll feel when you get back from your adventure (tho possibly not as intense for us) I'm home. So now you know why I was so emotional at the end of your show. I've seen the destruction first hand. I may not have been there, or lost anything in the storm, but my heart is with you all. I love Louisiana, and I know what its like to miss New Orleans. And thank you so much for showing people up here what its like. TV doesn't even match up to what its like to see it or hear it first hand. Again, thank you all for the wonderful tale, the humor as well as the emotion. I am so excited for your journey. I have already told a friend of mine who lives in Durango, CO that you are on your way and to be sure she goes so she can maybe feel a little of what we feel. Good luck! And spread that message as far as possible. Keep doing what you are all doing and break a leg!
Your (northern) Neighbor,
Megan
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