ORIGINS explores the unique yet complex racial realities of Louisiana’s Creoles of Color, which historians often refer to as the “third race.” This is because, from the 18th through early-20th centuries, they were considered neither white nor Black but had access to certain privileges of the former while facing much of the same discrimination as the latter. This position led to the development of their own enclaves and economies, as well as the evolution of distinct culinary, religious, and musical traditions. While their legacy has left much to celebrate, it has also left much to scrutinize, particularly the prejudice, colorism, and classism many Creoles perpetuated in trying to maintain their somewhat privileged social status, which often required them to distance themselves from non-Creole Blacks.

ORIGINS incorporates information from my Creole grandmother’s family tree, anecdotes on race and class gathered from multigenerational Creole and Creole-adjacent people, references to Creoles made through works of cinema and literature, and my own lived experiences as a descendent of this culture.

Performances + Credits

Open rehearsal/Work in progress showing: Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge (August 2026)

Creator and Performer Alexandra Barbier
Media (footage and editing) Alexandra Barbier
The soundscore includes excerpts from Marlon Riggs’s film Black Is… Black Ain’t and oral interviews of Louisiana Creole and Creole-adjacent people who request to remain anonymous.

Work in progress showing: Movement Research at Judson Church (June 2024)

Creator and Performer Alexandra Barbier
Performer Samuel Bennett Hanson
Historical costumes Krannert Center for Performing Arts
Videography MaKenna Finch
Photos Rachel Keane