Meraux Fondation Celebrates 3rd Play/Write Showcase

On Wednesday, April 16, the Meraux Foundation proudly celebrated the third annual Play/Write Showcase—a vibrant evening of student storytelling, creativity, and community spirit at Nunez Community College in Chalmette.

Presented in partnership with Goat in the Road Productions (GRP), the Showcase featured nine original plays written by fifth-grade students from St. Bernard Parish Public Schools and performed by professional theater companies including Down Stage Left, Goat in the Road, and Prescription Joy. From The Great Banana Heist to The Brain Rot Hotel, each play offered a unique window into the imagination of its young author—and earned big laughs, heartfelt applause, and standing ovations from the audience.

“The creativity and confidence these students showed was nothing short of inspiring,” said Rita Gue, president of the Meraux Foundation. “We’re proud to help bring a program like GRP’s Play/Write to St. Bernard Parish—one that improves writing skills, sparks imagination, and reminds us all of the power of the arts in education.”

Play/Write is a yearlong program that teaches playwriting and theater in local classrooms, culminating in a professional performance of selected student works. Developed by GRP and supported by the Meraux Foundation, the program aligns with academic standards while fostering self-expression, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for storytelling.

This year, over 475 students in the New Orleans area participated in Play/Write, each writing eight short plays and developing one into a full-length script. The Showcase honored nine of these voices from St. Bernard Parish:

• The Nine Moons by Lainey Holland (Arabi Elementary)

• Secret Mission by Parker Casbon (Chalmette Elementary)

• Zombie Attack by Ayshilla Bento (Chalmette Elementary)

• Ghost With His Friends by Hannah Modica (Davies Elementary)

• The Genie by Jazmin Valentino (Gauthier Elementary)

• I Wanna Color by Ileah Jefferson (Lacoste Elementary)

• The Great Banana Heist by Michael Leggett (Meraux Elementary)

• The Brain Rot Hotel by Christopher Carter (Smith Elementary)

• The King by Ayce Neville (Smith Elementary)

The Meraux Foundation’s support for Play/Write is part of its broader commitment to arts, education, and community enrichment in St. Bernard Parish—from helping develop the Cultural Arts Center at Chalmette High School to transforming vacant properties into an emerging arts campus on St. Claude Avenue.

With another successful Showcase behind them, these young playwrights have proven what’s possible when students are given the tools—and the stage—to share their stories.