Laurent tells the story of how the African captives in Haiti created their own language and religion to become a nation ó the second republic in the ìNew Worldî after the U.S.

Laurent then leads students in a discussion about their own ancestors. The storytelling is an interactive improvisational presentation with participants guided to take part in the telling through character and chorus roles played with masks, mime and Kreyol chants. During this 5 to 10 day residency, students research and make presentations on their own family origins, learn about each otherís family heritages, and incorporate their classroom stories into improvisational skits. Grades K-16 and adults.