13 Lessons - A Theatrical Workshop on Adult Illiteracy

Submitted by Luther Gray on May 11, 2007 - 8:48am.
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This session will be on: June 29, 2007 - 1:00pm

It will be held at: Parish Hall room at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church

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Organization Description

ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER is an initiative of EFFORTS OF GRACE, INC. Located in Central City New Orleans, Ashé Cultural Arts Center has established a successful practice of cultural art presentation and production, community development, artist support, and the creation of partnerships and collaborations that amplify the impact and reach of our outreach and support efforts. During this Post Hurricane Katrina recovery phase, our mission is to serve as: A community-based center for ReBuild New Orleans activities A strong advocate for culture, community and justice principles in the ReBuild New Orleans effort A leader in the strategy to re-populate the Central City neighborhood with it's former residents, and other like-minded neighbors who will work with us to establish a community that respects the values of diversity, justice, cultural fabric, strong families, strong educational resources, youth development, and a robust economy available to all A producer and presenter of multi-disciplinary cultural art works throughout the New Orleans Diaspora (Katrina evacuee locations) that inform and guide the consciousness of community, public policymakers, and business leaders about ReBuild New Orleans issues; and Support and assistance for New Orleans artists and culture bearers in their efforts to resume their lives and careers ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER is an initiative of EFFORTS OF GRACE, INC. Located in Central City New Orleans, Ashé Cultural Arts Center has established a successful practice of cultural art presentation and production, community development, artist support, and the creation of partnerships and collaborations that amplify the impact and reach of our outreach and support efforts. During this Post Hurricane Katrina recovery phase, our mission is to serve as: A community-based center for ReBuild New Orleans activities A strong advocate for culture, community and justice principles in the ReBuild New Orleans effort A leader in the strategy to re-populate the Central City neighborhood with it's former residents, and other like-minded neighbors who will work with us to establish a community that respects the values of diversity, justice, cultural fabric, strong families, strong educational resources, youth development, and a robust economy available to all A producer and presenter of multi-disciplinary cultural art works throughout the New Orleans Diaspora (Katrina evacuee locations) that inform and guide the consciousness of community, public policymakers, and business leaders about ReBuild New Orleans issues; and Support and assistance for New Orleans artists and culture bearers in their efforts to resume their lives and careers

Proposal Demographics

identify as people of color
are artists/cultural workers

Session Description

The 13 Lessons

The 13 Lessons is an original performance work that explores the theme of adult literacy in our community. The work was commissioned by the Lindy Boggs National Center for Community Literacy and the New Orleans Literacy Alliance. It is produced by Ashé Cultural Arts Center and written by Lenwood Sloan.

The 13 Lessons is a story theatre work presented in episodes which are taken from oral histories and first person testimonies of those caught in the circumstance of illiteracy, those committed to working to help them obtain improved literacy skills, champions and advocates for literacy in our community, policy makers and business community representatives. This performance work offers an empowering view of people caught in the circumstance of not knowing how to read. The 13 Lessons introduces and explores for the audience the issues, tensions and ironies of people who are part of the adult literacy drama in our communities.

Using a blend of original music and popular classics combined with a script that shows dramatically and at times humorously the challenges and barriers that so effectively trap 40% of our adult population. The 13 Lessons provides information, challenges stereotypes, raises compassion and understanding and effectively calls audiences to accept the mantra that “something must be done”.

The 13 Lessons was created and staged to move the audience out of its comfort zone. The characters talk to the audience and cause light to spotlight them creating moments that compare to the many times that those who can’t read are made to feel self-conscious and embarrassed out of a fear of discovery.

The work raises consciousness and sensitivity, as well as, expands the conversation in the community about adult literacy and those willing to work toward its elimination. The 13 Lessons informs the mind, touches the heart, challenges the spirit and engages the will. The characters alive with wit, personality and charm contradict the notions of victim so often applied to those in their circumstance. Their courage endears them to us and makes them part of our catalog of fond memories.

In the end, the work accomplishes its goal of raising consciousness, compassion and potential, as well as expanding the conversation in the community about adult literacy and those willing to work towards its elimination.

Specifications:

Length: 75 minutes
Cast: 10 – 13 & 1 Musician (keyboard)
Preferred Staging: Conferences, Workshops, Classrooms, Restaurants
Ideal Audience: Middle School to Adult
Technical Requirements: Lavaliere and Hand Microphones, Keyboard
Set/Props: Podium, Chairs, Costumes, Tables & Cutouts


First Name

Luther

Last Name

Gray

Contact E-mail

lutherg504@aol.com

Proposing Organization

Ashe Cultural Arts Center

Organization Website

www.ashecac.org

Position or Title

Project Director

Contact Telephone

(504)495-0463

Alternate Telephone

(504)569-9070

Event Day

Friday, June 29th (Visioning / Envisioning Another World)

Contact Address

Ashe Cultural Arts Center 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

Format

theater, story circle, discussion

Contact City

New Orleans

Keywords

Advocacy
Community-building
Education (see also Students & Youth)

Audience Number

25-50 people

Contact State

LA

Contact ZIP

70113

Person Reviewing

Carlton Turner