the show...

Set in 1878, The Stranger Disease is an immersive theater show that follows seven people who live in or orbit around a boarding house, as rumors of what would be one of the city’s worst yellow fever epidemics begin to spread. Navigating post-Reconstruction New Orleans, as well as a romance that crosses the color line, the characters must decide whether to stay or leave the city.

Created by Goat in the Road in collaboration with the Louisiana State Museum , using artifacts and historic documents, The Stranger Disease features an amazing ensemble of performers and designers who immerse audiences in the rich and complicated history of the New Orleans.  

The show premiered at Madame John's Legacy in March, 2018, produced with Cassandra Erb, the Louisiana State Museum, and Friends of the Cabildo.  Support for the production was provided by the New Orleans Theatre Association and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.  Creative team was as follows:

Created by Owen Ever (lead designer, co-writer), Shannon Flaherty (lead producer, co-writer), Chris Kaminstein (lead writer, co-director), Kiyoko McCrae (lead writer, co-director) and the ensemble.

Ensemble: Khiry Armstead, Keith Claverie, Shannon Flaherty, Denise Frazier, Ian Hoch, April Louise, and Jessica Lozano.

Production manager: Becka McLaughlin
Stage Manager: Kit Sternberger
Lights by: Joshua Courtney
Costumes by: Hope Bennett
Set by: Owen Ever