|
A B O U T T H E P E R F O R M A N C E
Antebellum is a vibrant experimental theatre performance inspired by the real-life histories of three characters roaming in mid-19th century New Orleans, illuminating the notion of fame and celebrity in the antebellum era. The three haunting and comedic portraits are loosely inspired by the historical narratives of prominent figures at the time: Bricktop (murderous prostitute and serial killer), The Colonel (notorious steamboat gambler), and The Nightingale (egomaniacal opera sensation commodified by P.T. Barnum). In this vibrant performance, GOGOL ANNEX devises a bold theatrical form – part historical period drama, part choreographed performance art, and part experimental soundscape – to create a gripping tale that bring the character portraits to life. Antebellum fuses historical texts with songs and sounds from the period to take a fresh look at this potent and oft-overlooked moment of southern history. With performances by NICOLE KONTOLEFA, LEAH LOFTIN, and TAYLOR SUTHERLAND Original soundscape by composer NATHAN HALPERN (Copticon Music) For more information regarding the production in New York, click here. |
|
A B O U T T H E C H A R A C T E R S
B R I C K T O P
Murderous New Orleans prostitute Mary 'Bricktop' Jackson (the scourge of Gallatin Street), who was named for her flaming red hair, was notorious for never being bested in a brawl against a man or a woman. Stabbing, clubbing, and strangling her victims to death, Bricktop commissioned a custom-made, double bladed five-inch knife out of German silver as her weapon of choice, and quickly became a famed terror in Civil War era New Orleans.
Murderous New Orleans prostitute Mary 'Bricktop' Jackson (the scourge of Gallatin Street), who was named for her flaming red hair, was notorious for never being bested in a brawl against a man or a woman. Stabbing, clubbing, and strangling her victims to death, Bricktop commissioned a custom-made, double bladed five-inch knife out of German silver as her weapon of choice, and quickly became a famed terror in Civil War era New Orleans.
T H E C O L O N E L
In the golden age of gambling in New Orleans, Colonel Charles Starr was considered not only of the most famous gamblers of the decade before the Civil War, in addition to the best dressed gambler of his time. He claimed to own dozens of plantations up and down the river and only gambled because he was so bored with his unaccountable wealth. Character flaws aside, Colonel Starr possessed a great wit and dashing air, and was also renowned as the biggest liar on the river.
In the golden age of gambling in New Orleans, Colonel Charles Starr was considered not only of the most famous gamblers of the decade before the Civil War, in addition to the best dressed gambler of his time. He claimed to own dozens of plantations up and down the river and only gambled because he was so bored with his unaccountable wealth. Character flaws aside, Colonel Starr possessed a great wit and dashing air, and was also renowned as the biggest liar on the river.
T H E N I G H T I N G A L E
Based on sensational opera star Jenny Lind, known as 'The Swedish Nightingale', she is widely regarded as America's first true celebrity. Plucked from a successful operatic singing career in Europe by huckster and showman P.T. Barnum, Lind became widely famed from her spectacular US tour. Lind was suddenly at the helm of Barnum's whirlwind publicity and marketing storm, creating the first celebrity media frenzy of her performances across the nation. The enthusiasm of the public was so strong that they dubbed it ‘Lind-mania’. Lind performed fourteen sold-out performances in New Orleans, marking an era in the city, in addition to an encore performance from the balcony of the Pontalba Apartments in Jackson Square.
Based on sensational opera star Jenny Lind, known as 'The Swedish Nightingale', she is widely regarded as America's first true celebrity. Plucked from a successful operatic singing career in Europe by huckster and showman P.T. Barnum, Lind became widely famed from her spectacular US tour. Lind was suddenly at the helm of Barnum's whirlwind publicity and marketing storm, creating the first celebrity media frenzy of her performances across the nation. The enthusiasm of the public was so strong that they dubbed it ‘Lind-mania’. Lind performed fourteen sold-out performances in New Orleans, marking an era in the city, in addition to an encore performance from the balcony of the Pontalba Apartments in Jackson Square.
|
|
