The Origins of Le Code Noir

The Origins of Le Code Noir

Twenty-seven years in the making.

The Roots of Le Code Noir

The Roots of Le Code Noir

Le Code Noir, New Orleans' first historical outdoor drama, was conceived and written in 2004 by Ms. Tommye Myrick and Mark R. Sumner, former director emeritus of the United States Institute of Outdoor Drama.

Le Code

Le Code

The play's title refers to French King Louis XIV's 1685 edict, which established the legal framework for slavery in Louisiana’s Antebellum South. Uniquely, the "Code Noir" or "Black Code" allowed enslaved Africans and free people of color to gather weekly in an open space in New Orleans called "Place 'de Negres" (now known as Congo Square).

The Journey

The Journey

The drama chronicles the life of Santee, an 18-year-old enslaved African girl sold as a concubine after her master fled the Haitian Revolution. Over the following 40 years, Santee's life is interwoven with pivotal American historical events, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Slave Revolt of 1811, and the Battle of New Orleans.

Based on the creative dramatization of these events, the play explores crucial themes in Louisiana and U.S. history, using regionally and nationally recognized figures to tell a powerful story of survival and foster a new sense of understanding.

ViewThe Making of Le Code Noir
ViewThe Le Code Noir Sizzle Reel
Man in traditional attire standing outdoors at night with warm lighting.
Outdoor musical performance under a large tree at night.
Person in a flowing gown with afro hairstyle posing outdoors.
Four men in traditional attire holding spears and a drum outdoors.
People socializing outdoors near a building under trees.
A group gathered outdoors for a speaker event near a large tree.
Man in a black traditional outfit standing outdoors by a red building.
A lively street dance performance with costumed participants in an outdoor setting.
Women in traditional attire dancing outdoors under trees.
Dancers in colorful traditional dresses twirl under a large tree outdoors.
Dancers in vibrant colorful skirts performing outdoors.
A man in a beige suit stands on an outdoor stage with an orange backdrop.
Two men in historical attire, one holding a cane.
Actors in historical costumes during an outdoor performance.
Group of people in theatrical costumes outdoors under a large tree.
An elderly woman in a white dress and a man in casual attire stand outdoors.
Three men in vintage attire engaged in a lively street performance near a tree.
Two people dressed in historical costumes, a man in black and white and a woman in a white dress and bonnet.
Two men in historical costumes, one gesturing animatedly.
Women in traditional attire performing a cultural dance outdoors.
Man dressed in traditional attire standing outdoors at night.
Two people dressed in white robes sitting under a tree at night.
Two women preparing food outdoors with traditional attire near baskets and pots.
Actors perform a historical play outdoors, dressed in period costumes.
A woman in a bright pink dress stands elevated on a small platform during an outdoor event.
Two women dressed in historical costumes standing outdoors near a tree at night.
Four people in historical costumes gathered near a large tree at night.
People dressed in vintage clothing at a nighttime outdoor event.
Actors performing a dramatic scene outdoors under a large tree at night.
Group in historical costumes standing outdoors at night under tree lights.
Actors perform on a colorful outdoor stage with an audience watching.
Person in a beige dress and orange shawl standing outdoors.
People dressed in historical costumes at an outdoor event with a backdrop of old-style buildings.
Three men in traditional attire engaged in a lively outdoor conversation.
Two men in vintage pirate costumes posing together.
Two women sitting outdoors with baskets and cooking pots.
Actors perform a historical play outdoors with period costumes.