Never Forget 8/29/05: Climbing Poetree Speaks to the Drowning

The government laid bare its weaknesses. The media lost its grip. What survives as a lasting way to raise awareness and make clear the challenges facing New Orleans from day to day is humanity’s most ancient weapon and tool: Art.

Hurricane Season: The Hidden Messages in Water brings to life the struggles and strengths of New Orleans natives through an energetic amalgam of spoken word, video projection, dance, shadow art, and sound collage of personal testimonies. Electrifying spoken word activists Naima Pennimann and Alexia Garcia go straight to the core of the issues affecting the nation and the globe that have been ignited by the needless destruction of America’s most spirited and magical city.

In this spark, and in the righteous rage that fuels it, illumination spreads. The rage becomes determination, and determination creates out of destruction. New Orleans is a city of defiant alchemists, finding beauty in the ruins and wisdom in the impossible. The messages in the water have their own fire, and this elemental mingling unleashes powerful expression that will make you remember, and set unwavering voices free.