Southern Rep and Le Chat Noir Announce Alliance Initiative

Southern Rep and Le Chat Noir announce an exciting new alliance: As of Summer 2010, Southern Rep will take on a role as a Resident Producer at Le Chat Noir. Southern Rep's Artistic Director, Aimée Hayes and her staff will plan a separate season for the intimate stage, and work in collaboration with Le Chat Noir founder and owner, Barbara Motley, who is planning a cabaret season at the venue beginning in 2011. Current staffing for both institutions will remain the same, but the two organizations plan to use this opportunity to increase the frequency and variety of the programming at Le Chat Noir, both on the stage and in the Bar Noir.

"When I returned home to New Orleans in 2005 I immediately became enthralled by the fabulous funky class act that is Le Chat Noir. While producing The Red Light District Variety Show there I came to know and admire Barbara Motley's creative aesthetic and her deep commitment to New Orleans theatre and its playwrights. Our shared support and belief in developing new work makes this joint partnership an exciting step forward for both of our organizations."        
- Artistic Director, Aimée Hayes

"Southern Rep and Le Chat Noir have working on parallel paths ever since Aimée Hayes took over as the energetic, talented Artistic Director. I have always believed that the strongest, most notable theatre cities are those where original work is encouraged and staged. While to an audience, the types of work produced for our two stages may seem very different, it is what we share that will make this alliance so strong: we believe that New Orleans can create new work...whether drama, comedy or musical....whether by a playwright and director, or composer and lyricist...cast excellent people to present it and the resulting work will compare favorably with any other theatre hub in the country. I can't imagine a more exciting partnership!"
- Le Chat Noir Owner, Barbara Motley

Southern Rep and Le Chat Noir each strive to serve the most diverse community of artists and audiences possible, while continuing to support the work of developing new plays. In producing at Le Chat Noir, Southern Rep's ability to develop new work, in a smaller scale without an expensive investment in sets and staging, will be greatly enhanced. Increasing season capacity will give more emerging artists the opportunity to work along-side seasoned professionals, and in so doing, will support the work of artists who draw younger and more diverse patrons to the audience. Each organization has a growing and loyal audience base, and the two organizations expect cross-over between the two groups. Le Chat Noir will benefit from the excellent, experienced theater staff and Board of Directors support Southern Rep is building, and both organizations will benefit from business and marketing economies of scale.

"This artistic partnership between Southern Rep and Le Chat Noir is a natural fit. Aimée and Barbara have similar artistic visions, share an abiding love for New Orleans theatre, and have years of experience working together and collaborating. The Le Chat Noir venue provides Southern Rep an opportunity to greatly expand our repertory, push the frontiers of creativity, and showcase exciting new and developing artists."                  
- Board President, Southern Rep, Dr. Bernard Jaffe

Southern Rep will begin the Residency at Le Chat Noir in June, 2010.

UP NOW AT SOUTHERN REP
March 25 - April 18, 2010: The World Premiere Comedy WITH A BANG, by Pete McElligott, directed by Aimée Hayes, in association with The NOLA Project.

UP NOW AT LE CHAT NOIR
April 1 - 18: Theatre 13 presents WHEN PIGS FLY written by Howard Crabtree in the 8pm slot and MATT AND BEN written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers in the 11pm late show slot.

Southern Rep celebrates its 23rd season as the region's premiere professional theatre, continuing to produce bold world and regional premieres under the artistic leadership of Aimée Hayes, with Managing Director, Marieke Gaboury. In addition to its exciting Mainstage offerings; Southern Rep continues to offer educational programs such as free student matinees, $10 student rush tickets and Academy SRT; "Free Night of Theatre"; as well as providing an artistic home to new works in development in the New Play Bacchanal.

Le Chat Noir, opened in 1999, is the brain child of Proprietor Barbara Motley. Since then, Motley with her popular Stage Manager, Su Gonczy, have gained a reputation for nurturing, producing and presenting hundreds of eclectic shows created by New Orleans-based writers, composers, lyricists and performers. Le Chat has also welcomed national cabaret icons throughout its eleven year tenure including multiple MAC, Bistro, Grammy and Tony award winners and nominees. The Bar Noir is a regular hangout for theatre community and those who celebrate them.

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