There’s only two weeks left until Mardi Gras, and the American Repertory Theater of Western New York will be hosting its very own celebration to honor the history of this holiday and literary culture in America.
The celebration will take place on March 8 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Buffalo East, located at 1410 Main Street. There will be several literary readings from famous works that originated in Louisiana. Included are segments from Longfellow’s Evangeline and passages from the folklore book Gumba Ya Ya. These folk tales share the legends of Louisiana, with stories about Mardi Gras, Creoles, Cajun werewolves, gambling, baby dolls and more. The stories celebrate the cultural customs of the place where Mardi Gras originated.
Mardi Gras was first celebrated in 1857 when a parade was organized in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was declared a state holiday in Louisiana in 1875, and since then it has become an important annual celebration.
“The roots are based in the Catholic Shrove Tuesday brought over by the French settling the region,” said Matthew LaChiusa, Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater of WNY. “It got Americanized and the rest is rich history worth celebrating.”
In addition to celebrating the literary heritage of Louisiana, this celebration will also include plenty of other entertainment. Aside from the literary readings, there will also be music and Tarot card readings. There will also be a Gumbo Taste-off where the best gumbo maker will take home a cash prize and the “Best Gumbo Crown.” There will also be Bubba’s famed hurricane drinks, for those who appreciate a good fruity New Orleans cocktail.
“After living several years in Louisiana, you begin to appreciate the meaning of Mardi Gras,” said LaChiusa. “Its not about the beads and booze. It’s about celebrating the centuries old heritage of Louisiana Carnival. That’s what this event is aiming to do while all are eating some gumbo, tapping feet to fais do-do music and sipping on Hurricanes.”
Tickets to the event will be $8 online presale at www.artofWNY.org and $10 at the door. Those interested in entering their gumbo into the competition can call 716-884-4858 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to sign up. For more information, visit the website or the Facebook event page, or call 716-884-4858.
Sarah Maurer
I moved to Buffalo to attend Canisius College in 2007 and began writing for Buffalo Rising as a journalism intern in 2010. Working with Newell and meeting numerous entrepreneurs, activists and everyday folks who were working to make their city better made a huge impact on my decision to stay here. After witnessing all the positive development and grassroots initiatives happening in neighborhoods throughout the city, I was inspired to pursue a term of service in AmeriCorps and a career in Buffalo's non-profit sector. I currently work in the housing department at the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY and am excited to be a part of their ongoing efforts to revitalize the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. I also volunteer as the project coordinator for Artfarms Buffalo. I continue to write for Buffalo Rising because I love having the opportunity to stay connected to those working toward positive changes for the Queen City.