Sunday, August 24, 2014

 
 
The Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc
 
Presents
The 5TH ANNUAL
SALON DE JEANNE D'ARC
A full day conference about Joan of Arc produced by
The Joan of Arc Project, New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, September 20th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HOSTED BY LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MEDIEVAL STUDIES PROGRAM
Free and open to the public
LOCATION:  Loyola University New Orleans Danna Student Center, Audubon Room, second floor. The Danna Center is located one block from St. Charles Avenue, New  Orleans. Loyola University is located at 6363 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118. Ample on-street parking is available.
MEET THE KREWE:  An information table will be hosted throughout the day by members of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc so that attendees can learn about the Joan of Arc Parade and our other Joan of Arc Project events throughout the year. Membership will be available for purchase on-site.  For general information on the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, visit www.joanofarcparade.com.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:  
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. to 11:30 Telling Joan’s Story: The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc Library Project  presented by Library Project Director Amanda Helm.
 Joan of Arc has inspired countless artists to tell and retell her story through books, music, visual art, theater and cinema.  This presentation will highlight representations of Joan through film and as well as briefly introduce the joint project of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc and the New Orleans Public Library to build a Joan of Arc collection.
Amanda Helm is an assistant professor of marketing at Xavier University of Louisiana and wears many hats for the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc: Archangel Michael character, costume artist, library project director, webmaster and membership director.
11:45 to 12:15 p.m.   SAVE Joanie on the Pony!  A slide show presentation on the story of the beloved French Quarter Joan of Arc statue and the current efforts to restore her. An overview of the history of the statue, its move to the French Quarter, and repairs thus far will be presented. A discussion following the presentation led by members of the Monumental Task Committee will explain opportunities for volunteers and donors to lend a hand on the necessary current repairs.
Ashley Merlin is passionate about photography. Born and raised in New Orleans, she graduated from Lehigh University with a B.A. in Journalism.In 2002, Miss Merlin opened a local photography studio. A connoisseur of local New Orleans Photography, Merlin’s work has been featured at the New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery, University of New Orleans Fine Arts Gallery and the New Orleans Museum of Art as well as in many local and national publications. She is a member of the New Orleans Photo Alliance, American Society of Media Photographers, Arts Council of New Orleans and Professional Photographers of America and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. Statuesque New Orleans, her first book, was published in 2010. Miss Merlin is a board member of the Monumental Task Committee, a non-profit dedicated to preserving, restoring and advocating for the statues and monuments of New Orleans.
 
12:30 to 1:15 THE MAID AND THE QUEEN:  The Secret History of Joan of Arc
The Salon de Jeanne d’Arc’s keynote presentation will be given by  Nancy Goldstone, author of the  2012 non-fiction breakthrough book The Maid and the Queen, the untold story of the extraordinary queen who championed Joan of Arc. How did an illiterate peasant girl gain access to the future king of France, earn his trust, and ultimately lead his forces into battle? Was it only the hand of God that moved Joan of Arc-or was it also Yolande of Aragon?
Politically astute, ambitious, and beautiful, Yolande of Aragon, queen of Sicily, was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Caught in the complex dynastic battle of the Hundred Years War, Yolande championed the dauphin's cause against the forces of England and Burgundy, drawing on her savvy, her statecraft, and her intimate network of spies. But the enemy seemed invincible. Just as French hopes dimmed, an astonishingly courageous young woman named Joan of Arc arrived from the farthest recesses of the kingdom, claiming she carried a divine message-a message that would change the course of history and ultimately lead to the coronation of Charles VII and the triumph of France.
Nancy Goldstone has a passion for Medieval and Renaissance history and old and rare books.  She is the author, most recently, of The Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc, recently optioned for feature film.  Her other works include The Lady Queen:  The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem and Sicily, an acclaimed biography of the only woman of the fourteenth century to rule a major European kingdom in her own right and Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe, the story of a family of four thirteenth-century sisters, the daughters of the count of Provence, who became the queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily.  Prior to Four Queens, Mrs. Goldstone wrote two books of medieval history with her husband Lawrence:  The Friar and the Cipher, a narrative non-fiction account of the life of the great 13th century scientist Roger Bacon, and Out of the Flames, the story of 16th century theologian and physician Michael Servetus, who was burned at the stake by John Calvin, reputedly with the last copy of his book, in which he had hidden a great medical discovery, chained to his leg.  She and her husband have also written three humorous memoirs on their experiences in the world of rare and antiquarian books:  Used and Rare, Slightly Chipped, and Warmly Inscribed.  Mrs. Goldstone has written and reviewed for a number of publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe Magazine and The Miami Herald.  Her next book, The Rival Queens:  Catherine de’ Medici, her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal that Ignited a Kingdom will be published in June, 2015.
1:15-2:00 p.m.  Lunch Break and Booksigning with Nancy GoldstoneMeet the author and enjoy lunch and the chance to mingle with others interested in Jeanne d’Arc.
1:45-2:00 Scenes from Henry VI performed by local actors under the direction of Artemis Preeshl.   Henry VI, part 1, highlights the battle of Orleans in which Joan of Arc is triumphant. In Shakespeare (and Thomas Nashe 's) version, a shepherd maid, Joan goes to King Charles of France and wins him to her side. She wins the battle, but she calls on demons to assist her. Facing trial for witchcraft and heresy, she eloquently tries her own case against a jury of French nobles. She is imprisoned and burned at the stake. Henry VI sides with the white rose of the house of York.  In the end of the play, the Earl of Suffolk marries Margaret of Anjou to empower the house of Lancaster, the red rose. This play is the prelude to the English war of the Roses.
Artemis Preeshl was a fellow at Shakespeare's Globe. She specializes in Commedia dell'arte in Shakespeare's comedies set in Italy. Professor Preeshl has acted in and directed Shakespeare's canon. Most recently, she directed a commedia dell'arte scenario of Othello in Croatia in Croatian.
2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Twelfth Night in the Middle Ages, a Loyola Medieval Studies program presentation. Joan’s birthday is January 6th, The Epiphany, but also celebrated as Twelfth Night, although technically Twelfth Night is Jan 5th.   We have created our own New Orleans Twelfth Night tradition with the annual Joan of Arc Parade, incorporating various Twelfth Night and Mardi Gras traditions.  Dr. Sebastian and other members of the Loyola Medieval Studies department will enlighten us on other traditions, some still celebrated, some not, that originated in Europe in the Middle Ages for the Epiphany and Twelfth Night.
Dr. John T. Sebastian is Associate Professor of Medieval Literature at Loyola University New Orleans and the former director of Loyola's Medieval Studies program.  He has published articles on medieval topics from Chaucer to video game adaptations of Dante's Divine Comedy with a focus on medieval drama and performance.  At Loyola he teaches the literatures of the medieval world from Iceland to Japan.
 3:00 to 3:45  Porkchop Productions  presents Jeanne D’arc: The Transformation
From intimate conversations with Saints Michael, Catherine, and Margaret, to the inner conflicts of her role as a woman versus her call to serve God and country, this one-woman performance highlights Joan of Arc’s physical transformation from “Maid” to “Warrior”. Based on historical documentation, eyewitness accounts, and quotes attributed to Joan, this original piece, written exclusively for the 5th Annual Salon de Jeanne d’Arc, delves into the future saint’s decision to fight for France. On to Orléans!
Stacey Maxwell is Founder and Artistic Director of Porkchop Productions theatre company and the 2014 recipient of the Columbia College Alumanae Association’s Career Achievement Award. Since 1995, Porkchop Productions has established itself as one of the premiere touring theatre companies in the Southeast, specializing in theatre performances and residencies for grades K-12, and arts integration strategies and professional development workshops for educators. Celebrating its 20thtouring season, Porkchop’s interactive approach to the performing arts has delighted and inspired thousands of young people and families in schools, libraries, and community venues. Visitwww.porkchopproductions.comfor more information.
 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST : A “HANDS-ON SALON” will  be held the following day for members and prospective members!
Hands-on Salon Workshop at the home of krewe member and costume artist Amanda Helm. Help build props and make medieval costumes and throws for the Krewe. There will be projects for all skills levels. Prospective and new members welcome, advance registration required. Register here for the Hands On Salon:

Saturday, May 11, 2013

SALON DE JEANNE D'ARC 2013

Media Contact: Amy Kirk Duvoisin, joanofarcparade@gmail.com or (504) 251-5046
 
 

SALON DE JEANNE D'ARC 2013

 
An all day conference about Joan of Arc
Free and Open to the Public
 
 
PRODUCED AND PRESENTED BY THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT,
 

Sunday, May 19th 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 
No registration required for discussions; RSVP's encouraged for 1 p.m. workshop

 
Doors Open at 10 a.m.
All events will be held in the Vieux Carre Room, first floor, Bienville House Hotel
320 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70130

 
10:30-11:30 a.m. Francophile Walking Tour of the French Quarter by licensed tour guide James Geraghty. Begins and ends at the Bienville House Hotel. Please arrive by 10:15 a.m. to ensure your space. Limited to 22 people. French Quarter Tour led by James Geraghty, licensed tour guide and Francophile. Experience the storied streets of the Vieux Carre and three hundred years of French presence in the Crescent City. Your tour includes such sites as New Orleans' birthplace, the Mississippi River; early colonial history at the Ursuline Convent and Madame John's Legacy; the French Market (America's oldest public market); Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral; the identical, block-long Pontalba Buildings; the statue of Joan of Arc at New Place de France; and unique locations covering topics such as Degas in New Orleans, French opera, jazz, and Creole cuisine.
 
11:30 a.m.-12 noon. CROISSANTS WITH THE KREWE DE JEANNE D'ARC. Complimentary coffee, tea & croissants. A time for members and members-to-be to pick up membership information, ask questions, and join the krewe! We'll have a membership table open all day...but now is a good time to catch us between panels and workshops to talk about all things related to the Joan of Arc Parade, held annually on Joan of Arc's birthday, January 6th.
 
12 noon to 12: 45 p.m. More than "Just" a Parade: What it feels like to portray Joan of Arc, King Charles VII, Queen Yolande of Aragon, and other historical persons in our parade. An informal and lively talk with Betsie Gambel (Queen Yolande 2013), Rene Bajeux (King Charles 2013) and Caye Mitchell (Warrior Joan of Arc 2009-now!) about how their parade role has transformed them, what they learned, and other ways this parade is unlike any other Mardi Gras parade. Moderated by Parade Marshal and Mardi Gras historian/collector Rafael Monzon about how this "new" parade is more like parades of yore.
 
1:00-3:00 p.m. Heraldry Workshop with Nora and Antoinette. This workshop, led by our krewe costume designer our krewe "officer in arms", will involve exploring meaning and symbolism in heraldy and house badge, seal, or signet creation both on a personal level and for the segments of our Krewe. Nora will be training us in the correct ways to emblazon our gear and garb with iconic images we create.This will lead into a discussion of long term themes for each segment of the krewe. TO REGISTER, EMAIL JOANOFARCPARADE@GMAIL.COM. This is a free workshop, but limited to 20 people.
 
 
 
3:30-4:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: THE AGE OF JOAN OF ARC with members of Loyola University's Medieval Studies program. Panelists will discuss the musical culture of late medieval France and other female visionaries of Joan’s time. The panel will feature Dr. John Sebastian, Associate Professor of Medieval Literature and head of Loyola’s Medieval Studies program, and Dr. Alice Clark, the Rev. James C. Carter, S.J., Distinguished Professor of Music in Loyola’s College of Music and Fine Arts.

 
4:45 to 5:30 p.m. Cocktails with THE KREWE DE JEANNE D'ARC. Complimentary wine and cheese with members of the krewe. Another opportunity to drop in and meet and greet members, ask questions, and get a calendar of events for the rest of the year, leading up to our 2104 parade.


 
For more information about the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc and the annual Joan of Arc Parade, visit http://www.joanofarcparade.com and fan us on Facebook at JOAN OF ARC PROJECT.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

 
WORDS FROM OUR FIRE DANCER, CAT LANDRUM
See her peform at 5:30 p.m. before the parade tonight, January 6th
 
 
Dancing with fire is like dancing with a partner;  there must be a balanced relationship between the dancer and the element. Before I discovered the art, my relationship with fire was far from what it is now. One year I had lost all my belongings in an apartment fire caused by a gas leak. The next year fire threatened my life again when a neighbor in my duplex had a cooking accident. These experiences caused me to feel intimidated and resentful towards the element. It was when I first discovered the art of fire dancing that my thoughts changed. Watching dancers move the element to create patterns of light and shadows made me realize how beautiful fire could be. I thought that attempting this myself would help me overcome by negative feelings. This took time as well. At first, I tried dominating the flames as if making the dance into a form of revenge for my earlier experiences with fire. This resulted in a few scars. Finally I learned to respect the element and develop a relationship with fire that allows me to use it's beautiful glow to express myself through movement. The fire that is my dance partner is not a fire of destruction, but a shining light that reflects the fire burning within.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

SALON DE JEANNE D'ARC THIS WEEKEND: Press Release


THE JOAN OF ARC PARADE

GOES INDOORS AND ON-SCREEN!

Panels, Workshops, Discussions, Theater & Films will be offered this weekend by the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc



Conference and Workshops:     MAY 19 from   10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Film Screenings:                     May 20th  10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.



Saturday events will be held at The Bienville House Hotel at 320 Decatur Street

Sunday films will be shown at Bobet Hall, Main Campus, Loyola University, just off St. Charles Avenue

 

(New Orleans, LA--May 16, 2012)--The Salon de Jeanne d'Arc will be held this weekend in honor of Joan of Arc's many significant May dates: her lifting of the Siege of Orleans on May 8th; her canonization on May 16th; and her Feast Day on May 30th.

Brought to you by the folks who bring you the annual JOAN OF ARC PARADE, this two-day free conference is dedicated to offering the public a taste of all things Joan of Arc and the Joan of Arc Parade. The programs include a panel of our "Joans” talking about their experiences riding as Joan in the annual Twelfth Night parade, to presentations by Tulane and Loyola professors about perceptions of Joan of Arc from Shakespearean  times to modern-day France.  Costume workshops and a French language workshop are also offered on Saturday; on Sunday, three movies with three very different portrayals of Joan of Arc will be offered for free at Loyola University, back to back.  Donations to the krewe are welcome and encouraged.


The Salon de Jeanne d'Arc, now in its third year, is produced by the Joan of Arc Project, which oversees the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc and The Joan of Arc Parade.  Decidedly "more than just a parade", the Joan of Arc Project is dedicated to celebrating all things related to Joan of Arc, including honoring French culture and offering New Orleanians' a way to show their love towards their unofficial patron saint. 

See overview below.  You may request the full schedule by emailing joanofarcparade@gmail.com.

 SATURDAY, MAY 19TH AT THE BIENVILLE HOUSE HOTEL, VIEUX CARRE SALON, FIRST FLOOR


1    10:00-10:45 a.m. Meet and Greet the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc. Coffee & Croissants.

11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. OUI! OUI! French Language Workshop conducted by a teacher from Alliance Francaise New Orleans.

            12:00-12:45 p.m. Joan in Literature: Portrayals in Shakespeare's Henry VI. A presentation by Director of Medieval Studies at Loyola, Dr. John T. Sebastian.


1-1:45 p.m. Being Joan of Arc: A discussion about what it's like "playing" Joan in the Joan of Arc Parade and its life-altering results.

      2-2:45 Joan as a Political Symbol: From history to modern French politics. A presentation by Dr. Mark Vail, Associate Professor, Tulane University.

3-3:30 p.m. STAGED READING of Je m'appelais Jeanne d'Arc, "My Name Was Joan of Arc" by local French instructor William Gautreaux.

      3:40-4:00  p.m. Q& A with student actors and playwright/teacher William Gautreaux.

****In the nearby board room at the Bienville House Hotel, costume workshops will be occurring simultaneously. Questions? Email Antoinette at dealteriisa@bellsouth.net.*****

12 noon to 2 p.m. MEDIEVAL COSTUME PRESENTATION: . This is a discussion only program designed to walk you through what is appropriate and guide you through the process of defining your place in the parade. Materials, images from history, sample costume pieces, patterns, and thrift store bargains will all be discussed.  

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: CONSTRUCTION OF KREWE FAVORS AND COSTUMES...WELCOME TO KREWE MEMBERS AND KREWE-MEMBERS-TO BE!



FIRST ANNUAL JOAN OF ARC FILM FESTIVAL



SUNDAY MAY 20, 2012 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

Cosponsored at Loyola University New Orleans by the Film Buffs Institute

and the Medieval Studies Program



Films will be shown in Room 332, THIRD FLOOR, BOBET HALL

(BOBET HALL IS JUST OFF ST. CHARLES AVENUE, ON THE MAIN CAMPUS)



FILMS:

10 a.m. to 12 noon   SAINT JOAN (1957, B&W) Directed by Otto Preminger, starring Jean Seberg-- Running time 110 minutes.

12 noon to 1:00 p.m. BREAK: Meet and Greet the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc

1:00 to 3:00 p.m. JEANNE LA PUCELLE: LES BATAILLES (1994) Directed by Jacques Rivette, starring Sandra Bonnaire--Running time 112 minutes

3:30 to 6:00 p.m. JOAN OF ARC (1948, Technicolor) Directed by Victor Fleming, starring Ingrid Bergman--Running time 145 minutes

6:00-6:30 p.m.  Informal reception with the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc




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WALKING TOUR ADDED TO SALON FOR THIS WEEKEND

Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc comrade James Geraghty has offered to host a Francophile walking tour during the Salon de Jeanne d'Arc this Saturday May 19th. The tour will begin at 10:45 a.m. at The Bienville House Hotel, 320 Decatur Street, in the front lobby.


French Quarter Tour led by James Geraghty, licensed tour guide and Francophile. Experience the storied streets of the Vieux Carré and three hundred years of French presence in the Crescent City. Your tour includes such sites as New Orleans’ birthplace, the Mississippi River; early colonial history at the Ursuline Convent and Madame John’s Legacy; the French Market (America’s oldest public market); Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral; the identical, block-long Pontalba Buildings; the statue of Joan of Arc; and unique locations covering topics such as Degas in New Orleans, French Opera, Jazz, and Creole cuisine.  This tour is limited to 10 people, first come, first served.