The 13 Lessons
The 13 Lessons is an original performance work that explores the theme of adult literacy in our community. The original work was commissioned in 2004 by the Lindy Boggs National Center for Community Literacy. It is produced by Ashé Cultural Arts Center and written by Lenwood Sloan. This year the Center has partnered with One Book One New Orleans to create a prologue to the performance that focuses on the young Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s struggle with low literacy.
Date: Thursday, September 30th at 7 p.m.
Place: Nunemaker Hall located in the Monroe Building at Loyola University
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.