T
here is definitely something to be said about the magic of a theatre.
When thinking about the theatre, in my musical theatre mind, lines
from memorable songs begin to play - "Opening Night, just feel the
magic in the air," a show choir tune from 1997 and then Gypsy's "Curtain Up, Light the Lights, We got nothing to hit but the heights!" In addition to the songs that come to mind, there is an unmistakable energy in a thetre that no other building can replicate. From the people hurriedly finding their seats, to the performers backstage waiting with anticipation, full of nerves and butterflies. Apart from my favorite sound ever being a symphony warming up as everyone finds their places, there is even life in an empty theatre. Just stand on an empty stage, close your eyes, and breathe in all the history, stories, culture, life, and energy that stood there before you. It's why the ideas of an "Angel of Music" or "Opera Ghost" aren't quickly dismissed.
Which brings us to The Duchamp Opera House. The famous house of St.
Martinville is the chupacabra of theatres. Full of
history, culture, art, antiques, opera, plays,
architechture, fashion and quite possibly, the
broken-hearted spirit of Evangeline. St.
Martinville is said to have been Evangeline or
Emmeline's home after being deported to
Maryland on her wedding day. It is said that she
found her way to Louisiana where she was
greeted by long lost friends and relatives.
According to Longfellow's poem, she finds him
years later on his deathbed, where they share one
final kiss as he dies.
St. Martinville became known as Le Petite Paris as
the arts began to thrive. The Duchamp Opera
House was brought to life in the 1830-1840s by
David Sandoz. Sandoz's daughter Amelie married
E.A.Duchamp who was an early mayor of St.
who was an early mayor of St. Martinville. At
street level The Opera House homed a feed and
E.A. Duchamp