The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at Loyola University New Orleans is pleased to announce that its fall 2016 production of Marcus Gardley’s The House That Will Not Stand, directed by Department Chair Dr. Laura Hope has won the Big Easy Award for Best University Production. The Big Easy Entertainment Awards are a Non-Profit Organization that recognizes outstanding musical and theatrical talent and performances in the city of New Orleans. Their mission is to not only honor the city’s theatre scene, but also to help fund the Foundation of Entertainment, Development and Education.
Needless to say, the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance is ecstatic with the win as The House That Will Not Stand has been hailed as one of Loyola’s most esteemed theatrical productions. The play takes place in 1803 New Orleans, during the French Colonial rule when free women of color were entering into marriages with established white men. The story centers on Beatrice and her three unwed daughters in mourning after the untimely and mysterious death of her husband. Beatrice’s family struggles to define their freedom after the loss of the man of the household. But more secrets arise as the three daughters attempt to take their freedom into their own hands, and it seems as though the families freedom comes at a much greater cost.
A socially relevant and compelling piece of work, Loyola’s production of The House That Will Not Stand continues to challenge recent political and societal distress through its Big Easy Award win. We couldn’t be more proud of our fearless Chairwoman Dr. Laura Hope and the phenomenal cast and crew that have put their hearts, minds, and undeniable talent into this thought-provoking theatrical piece.