Hurricane Katrina caused widespread devastation across the Gulf Coast and New Orleans in the USA, leaving almost 2,000 people dead and millions displaced. It was the costliest hurricane on record due to the extreme spread of the impact, and the damage left in its wake for years to come. On the 20th anniversary of Katrina, the Willow School Theatre Department of New Orleans have created a piece exploring the impact of that hurricane, based on found text, interviews and collected stories from those who were there and/or impacted by it.
Set in the round, this is an ambitious project, and the young company give it their all. Surrounded by audience on all four sides, this helps to place us on the outside, looking in, much as the rest of the world was at the time. Four people sit on chairs in the inside: they too are looking out at what surrounds them but does not immediately impact them. It is a striking image and the direction makes the best use of the space.
The young company fill the stage, drifting or running in and out as their characters demand. This reminds us of the human cost and the pleas about the slow response from the federal government are heart-breaking. At times the action was confused, as the young actors rushed a little too much, leaving us trying to catch up with the dialogue and the on-stage actions. Despite this however, it is an important reminder of how nature can devastate us and that we all need support when our world is damaged. It is a timely reminder that actions of the past are not so far removed from decisions in the present – well worth watching.
Show Time: 9 August @ 12:45
Running Time: 50mins
Ticket Prices: £5-£10
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-katrina-project-hell-and-high-water
Accessible entry: Access to box office via ground level entrance; then up one floor in a standard passenger lift. Wheelchair access type: Lift (Building Lift). Stairs: None. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair accessible toilets.
Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, strobe lighting, strong language/swearing. Age suitability: 12+ (guideline). Babes in arms policy: babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: children under 18 months. May not apply to all performances.