The Zeitgeist Chronicles
My name is Stephen Montagne and I have been writing dramatic works for the past fifteen years.
I make no apologies that I like things that are: controversial, thought provoking, edgy, political, in your face, radical and somewhat revolutionary. That’s just who I am. I think it makes me the writer and artist that I am today. I’m also someone who was born in the New York Tri-State area to a conservative family, educated at a Christian high school in the Midwest as well as a liberal California performing arts high school; I have friends from every political, social, religious (and non-religious), racial and economic background. All these influences also make me the kind of writer / artist that I am today. But above all -- I am an American. I am the son of a woman whose parents were immigrants from Italy that came to this great country to give her a better life.
I wrote this play for all of us “proud to be Americans” (for better or worse) and I specifically chose to premiere The Zeitgeist Chronicles at an historic Black College / University, Dillard University, to honor the resilient people of the “City that Care Forgot” – my adopted home, my inspiration and my Love – New Orleans, LA.
About the show:
As the run-up to this year’s election intensifies, “The Zeitgeist Chronicles” captures the energy, confusion, twists, turns, colorful characters and controversial ideas the nation grappled with during what came to be known as “The Change Election” of 2008. Far from being a pedantic slog through the political process, it treats all sides as worthy of comment, critique and comedy. Every audience member can expect to find both their heroes and their opponents celebrated and satirized in this new work.
This play centers around three multi-generational stories and takes place in four U.S. locations (Riverdale/Manhattan, NY; Riverside/Los Angeles, CA; New Orleans, LA; Denver, CO during the Democratic National Convention). Young America confronts elderly America in a multi-media, Spirit of the Age experience people will be talking about all the way to the voting booth.
Our vision:
After The Zeitgeist Chronicles world premieres in New Orleans, we aspire to produce the show off-Broadway and tour the rest of the U.S. This will serve to attract other playwrights and producers to workshop and launch their original productions here in the Crescent City.
In that spirit, we have partnered with Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation (LCEF), a 501(c)3 dedicated to supporting cultural industries of Louisiana by promoting the economic health and quality of life of our cultural economy workforce.
With your support we will succeed in bringing an important, timely, and entertaining production to life and showcase incredible talent both on our stage and behind the curtain. Please support this made-in-New Orleans original and help its development into a national tour. We believe that the more we can expose this innovative project, the healthier the New Orleans theatre arts community becomes.
Visit Our Website to Learn more about the show and the cast !
