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Cité des Arts in Lafayette honors French culture with the original theatre production

Image that reads “Alice au pays des mémères,” through the Acadian looking glass, a group exhibit by Franco Fine Arts Exchange. April 25th and 26th, 2026
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana
“Alice au pays des mémères”

Cité des Arts in Lafayette presents the original theatre production “Alice au pays des mémères,” April 25th at 2:00 p.m. and April 26th at 6:00 p.m. as part of the official lineup of the Festival International de Louisiane.

Written by Louisiana educator and playwright Kirby Jambon, the production is a creative reinterpretation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, deeply rooted in the traditions, humor, and storytelling of Louisiana’s French and Creole heritage.

Performed in Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole, the play follows a young girl named Alice who journeys into a mysterious world populated by characters and animals that reflect both the whimsical figures of Wonderland and the voices of her own family’s past. Through this fantastical experience, Alice discovers her identity, her culture, and the living legacy of Louisiana’s Francophone traditions.

“This is a perfect example of how the arts and education work hand in hand to preserve our culture. When students, families, and communities come together to perform in Louisiana French and Creole, they are not just telling a story – they are keeping a living language alive,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “As part of Festival International, this production not only celebrates our heritage, but also invites visitors and locals alike to experience the rich traditions that define Acadiana and set Louisiana apart on the world stage.”

“Projects like Alice au pays des mémères demonstrate the powerful role the arts play in preserving and revitalizing our heritage languages,” said Peggy Feehan, Executive Director of Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. “By bringing Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole to the stage, this production creates a space where language, culture, and community come together in a joyful and meaningful way.”

For more information, visit CODOFIL.org.

Kaileah Calloway is a sophomore attending the University of Louisiana Monroe majoring in communication.