Examining Katrina and pondering the impact of the flood and displacement

spicy boudin sausage with mustard
Originally uploaded by Scuzzi.

La Public Broadcasting has productions to remind us of where we've been this past year. If we're fortunate, these programs will enlighten our thinking on where we must go next.

And please don't forget that Bill Joyce and his Artspace team - which includes my wife, Talbot, and me - have an experience for you at Artspace called Faces of Katrina.

It opens at Artspace with a $20 per ticket reception Fri, Aug 25. Please come to see our work.

Artspace, 710 Texas, has been again transformed. More info at SRAC: 673-6500.

The TV shows (not mandatory for my students, but highly recommended):

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN
The Year of the Storms
Friday, August 25 at 7:00PM
Sunday, August 27 at 2:00PM
Louisiana’s only weekly newsmagazine kicks off its 30th year on the air with a one-hour look back at how Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have disrupted the lives of many of the people and places in South Louisiana. LPB poured all of its resources into bringing the people of the state the in-depth stories of the survivors and their families, the government and its response; and the massive effects on our culture and livelihoods. Join Robyn Ekings and Charlie Whinham as they journey through the one year path of destruction and reconstruction during this anniversary of the storms to end all storms.

WASHING AWAY: LOSING LOUISIANA
Tuesday, August 29 at 8:00PM
Sunday, September 3 at 4:00PM
Thursday, September 7 at 8:00PM (National broadcast)
This new LPB documentary looks at six Louisianians and how hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected the coastline, their land and their livelihoods. The characters share their stories and their knowledge of the larger impacts of coastal land loss on the environment, wildlife, economics, industry, culture and community. The participants include New Orleans chef Leah Chase; Errol Domingue, a third-generation sugar cane, rice, cattle and crawfish farmer from Erath; Preston Doré, a shrimper from Delcambre whose seafood restaurant, bar and distribution business were destroyed by Rita; Marlon Horton, a 26-year-old New Orleans East resident displaced to Houston; Port Fouchon port director Ted Falgout; and Kerry St. Pé, a marine biologist and Director of the Barataria-Terrebone National Estuary.

Check www.lpb.org/washingaway/ for educational materials. LPB appreciates the support of the America's Wetland's Foundation which provided the underwriting for the development of these resources.

AMERICAN CREOLE: NEW ORLEANS REUNION
Tuesday, August 29 at 9:00PM
Thursday, September 7 at 9:00PM (National broadcast)
In the wake of the hurricane Katrina, Don Vappie -- musician, bandleader, Creole -- struggles to find work and his cultural identity in New Orleans. This documentary follows Don as he tries to keep his band together and bring musicians back to the city. Through his journey Don also begins to question what makes a community, and whether the culture he grew up in can survive, not just the storm, but its aftermath. Rich with music, the film features performances by numerous stars of New Orleans jazz, as well as Don’s far-flung, talented family.
KATRINA’S SMALLEST VICTIMS
Wednesday, August 30 at 8:00PM
When Hurricane Katrina’s high winds and floodwaters knocked out the major hospitals in New Orleans, medical personnel stayed with the hospitalized children and expectant mothers until they could be transported to Women’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. This LPB documentary tells of the heroic efforts by Women’s Hospital personnel to not only get these fragile babies and expectant mothers out of New Orleans but to handle their medical and personal needs at their own facility in Baton Rouge.