Theatre--Performance

Gris-Gris Productions is bringing back The Exile Of Joe Gagliano, a bittersweet play about the trials of living with family after Hurricane Katrina, for a one-night performance at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29. The play debuted at Cité's recent Hub City Theatre Festival in July.

The play will be preceded by an open mic from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., where writers will have the opportunity to read their works dealing with the hurricanes of 2005.

"We wanted to bring back the play because it received such a wonderful response at the festival and Aug. 29 is the third-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina," said playwright Cheré Coen. "The play looks at family life during disasters so it has an uplifting ending and reminds us that no matter what comes at us, we still have each other. So even though we are acknowledging the anniversary, it will be a positive event.

The open mic was added to give local writers a chance to read work they have written about both storms. "There are so many wonderful writers in Acadiana and this is just another chance to show them off," Coen said. "I encourage everyone to come out and read and celebrate that after three years, we are still alive and kicking."

All profits generated by the event will be donated to the Resurrection Project, a recovery organization rebuilding homes in the Lower 9th Ward.

WHAT: The Exile Of Joe Gagliano by Cheré Coen, directed by Bruce Coen
WHEN: 7-8 p.m. open mic for writers, 8 p.m. performance
WHERE: Cité des Arts
COST: $10, with profits going to the Resurrection Project, a recovery organization rebuilding homes in the Lower 9th Ward.

Lagniappe: Coffee and chicory and New Orleans refreshments will be available.