New Orleans high school students from The Willow School have taken their powerful play about Hurricane Katrina to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating storm, and the young performers are sharing stories of survival and community at one of the world’s biggest theater events.
Journey to the Fringe Stage
Students from The Willow School in New Orleans traveled across the Atlantic to perform “The Katrina Project: Hell or High Water” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The event, held in August 2025, draws thousands of artists from around the globe and features over 3,000 shows each year.
This production stands out as it revives real stories from the 2005 hurricane that flooded 80 percent of New Orleans and caused over 1,800 deaths across the Gulf Coast. The students, most born after the disaster, researched deeply through interviews and historical records to create an authentic portrayal.
The play explores themes of abandonment, resilience, and rebuilding. It uses a mix of monologues, songs, and scenes based on survivor accounts, making it a living tribute to those affected.
Directors and educators at the school worked for months to prepare the group, selecting pieces that highlight both the chaos and the hope that followed.
Behind the Scenes of the Production
The idea for the play started as a school project to honor the Katrina anniversary. Theater director Brandon Persica guided the students in collecting stories from locals who lived through the storm.
Rehearsals involved emotional sessions where teens learned about levee failures, government responses, and long-term impacts like population displacement. Over 500,000 people left the area in the years after, with many never returning.
The script draws from real events, including the Superdome evacuations and neighborhood floods. Students added modern touches to show how New Orleans has recovered, with a focus on community strength.
Funding for the trip came from school fundraisers, grants, and donations, covering travel for about 20 students and staff.
One key challenge was adapting the show for an international audience unfamiliar with hurricanes. The team included explanations of storm surges and power outages to bridge that gap.
Student Voices on Survival and Loss
For the young actors, this was more than a performance. It became a way to connect with their city’s history and educate others.
Sam Gottschalk, a student performer, shared how the play captures the raw feeling of being left behind by the country. He noted that explaining hurricane devastation to Scots, who rarely face such weather, was eye-opening.
Ruby Murphy, another student, emphasized the long-lasting effects. She pointed out that the storm’s impact lingered for years, affecting families and daily life in ways that went beyond the initial floods.
These experiences built empathy among the cast. Many said it changed how they view resilience in their own lives.
- Key themes in the play: Abandonment by authorities, community bonds during crisis, and hope amid rebuilding efforts.
- Emotional highlights: Scenes based on real survivor interviews, showing personal stories of loss and recovery.
- Audience reactions: Many attendees praised the authenticity, with some moved to tears by the portrayals.
Impact on Global Audiences
Performing at the Fringe exposed the story to diverse crowds. Reviews called it a stirring reminder of natural disasters and human spirit, earning a three-star rating from local media for its heartfelt delivery.
The show ties into broader 2025 commemorations, like documentaries revisiting Katrina’s failures in emergency response. It highlights ongoing issues, such as better storm preparedness in Louisiana today.
Experts note that events like this help preserve history for younger generations. With climate change increasing storm risks, the play serves as a warning and a call for unity.
This international stage boosted the students’ confidence. Some plan to pursue theater careers, inspired by the positive feedback.
Looking Ahead After the Festival
Back in New Orleans, the group aims to stage more local shows. They hope to tour other U.S. cities to spread the message further.
Educators see this as a model for using arts to teach history. It shows how theater can heal and inform, especially on tough topics like disasters.
The experience also sparked interest in global exchanges, with talks of future collaborations between Scottish and American schools.
| Key Facts About The Katrina Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Year | 2006 (original), 2025 revival at Fringe |
| Cast Size | About 20 Willow School students |
| Performance Length | 60 minutes |
| Main Themes | Survival, community, aftermath of disaster |
| Festival Attendance | Over 2 million visitors at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 |
| Hurricane Katrina Stats | 1,800+ deaths, $125 billion in damages |
As New Orleans continues to rebuild, stories like this keep the lessons alive. Share your thoughts on how arts can preserve history, or comment if you’ve seen similar productions. Your input could spark more conversations on resilience and community.
