NEW ORLEANS – The local return of Love Letters of World War II was announced one last time before heading to Washington, DC to present at the Library of Congress Coolidge Auditorium as part of their Veterans History Project.
The original theatrical contemporary dance work, Love Letters of World War II combines live music by New Orleans-based musician Sarah Quintana, dynamic choreography, and the heartfelt narration of authentic wartime letters to illuminate the true story of Yvette and Roger, a French couple separated by war.
As Roger is deported to a prison camp, their love endures through letters which paint their budding courtship, heartbreak, tensions from empty mailboxes, and when Yvette’s scarf fatefully saves Roger’s life. Intertwined with their romance, are powerful war stories of resilience, including French female resistants who diligently work underground to publish newspapers, gather intelligence, and step directly into combat and sabotage alongside the Allied troops. Worlds collide as Louisiana’s French speaking Cajuns, affectionately called “Frenchies” are deployed, harnessing their linguistic abilities and cultural heritage to play a critical role in Allied military operations and overall victory. Highlighted is interpreter Dennis Neal, who has a life altering, chance meeting with a French woman during la libération of Paris.
Discover the dazzle and comfort that soldiers experience at the stage door canteen, arduous experiences of nurses and soldiers on the battle-lines, the Louisiana homefront, and an undercover Jewish dancer whose performance helped others escape a Nazi invasion.
Newly featured is the story of James Killion, Jr. and the letters exchanged between his wife and mother, revealing the complex struggles of Black servicemen who sought “double victory.” A new wartime story straight from Library of Congress archives will present in Love Letters for the first time. “Love is all around”, Roger writes to Yvette, as inspiring stories unite in a moral imperative that overshadows fear, guiding future generations.
Love Letters of World War II brings to life the universal love letters that kept “the greatest generation” alive.
The show runs from Aug. 28-30 at 8 p.m. at The Josephine.
Click here for tickets and more information.