New Orleans, LA; May 8, 2018 – Ashé Cultural Arts Center, in collaboration with the Haitian Community Center of Louisiana, presents a Tri-centennial Production:   Exploring the Diaspora – Haiti.  One of a four-part series, this event, which happens on May 18 and 19, 2018, at Ashé Power House, 1731 Baronne Street in New Orleans, is designed to create an awareness of the similarities between Haiti and New Orleans, and the African influences on both.  The pavilion will feature facts on the rich culture of Haiti, its food, art, language, movement, and more.   Field trip tickets are $8.  Adult date night and family day activities are $10. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/ED-Haiti.

The schedule of events at the Power House includes:​

  • Student Field Trip Experience: Friday, May 18; Session 1--10:00 AM-12:00 noon; Session 2--12:00 noon-2:00 PM​
  • Adult Date Night: Friday, May 18; 6:00-8:00 PM​
  • Family Day: Saturday, May 19, 2018; Session 1—12:00 noon-2:00 PM; Session 2—2:00-4:00 PM

All sessions include historical facts about Haiti, food tastings, visuals, art and music.  Students will also participate in a sing-along, storytelling and crafts.  Adult date night includes dinner and dancing.

Then on Saturday, May 19, Ashé is collaborating with The Haitian Community Center of Louisiana, in the presentation their annual Haitian Flag Day Festival, happening from 2:00-8:00 PM at Norman Park, 3301 Eton St. in New Orleans.

Exploring the Diaspora is a 4-part series.  Participants will get passports stamped in each country.  Through this tri-centennial production, Ashé will be visually transformed to include elements of Haiti (May 18 & 19), Ghana (Sept. 7 and 8), Senegal (Oct. 5 and 6) and Cuba (Nov. 2 and 3). 

For more information call (504) 813-9008 or (504) 310-1878.

ABOUT ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Founded in 1998 by Carol Bebelle and Douglas Redd, Ashé Cultural Arts Center, a project of Efforts of Grace, Inc., is an effort to combine the intentions of neighborhood and economic development with the awesome creative forces of community, culture and art to revive and reclaim a historically significant corridor in Central City New Orleans:  Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, formerly known as Dryades Street. 

Ashé produces and sponsors: original theater works, dance productions, spoken word, cultural programs, visual arts, conferences, workshops, events, Drum Circle (ages 2 to 92), Sistahs Making a Change (exercise and healthy lifestyles); creates and presents:  The Origin of Life on Earth:  An African Creation Myth (theater/dance adaptation—an African Creation Myth), Swimming Upstream (theater:  focus on Katrina and healing), 13 Lessons (theater: combating illiteracy), Redd Linen Night (a visual arts show with a twist), Story Circle (theater/discussions aimed at racial healing), Health Nutz (theater: health and healthy lifestyles), Voices Not Forgotten (theater work with senior citizens), Maafa (annual event commemorating of TransAtlantic Slave Trade), Carol’s Tea (teas, sweets, and tasty treats from throughout the African Diaspora) Color Him Redd (art tribute to co-founder Douglas Redd), Holiday on the Boulevard (annual festival and marketplace during Christmas/Kwanzaa holiday season), Favorite Fathers Awards Celebration (honoring fathers and men in the community who are making a difference in the lives families and others), Central City Fest, and more.  Ashé Cultural Arts Center is a 2007 Big Easy Award Winner for The Origin of Life on Earth: An African Creation Myth.

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Media Contact:
Viola T. Johnson Blunt
(504) 813-9008​
violatjohnson@gmail.com