'Lafayette' World Premiere One-Act Celebrates Return of Marquis' Revolutionary Ship, 'L'Hermoine'

The world premiere of Lafayette this month comes just in time to celebrate the return of the historic vessel that ferried the young, French general Marquis de Lafayette across the Atlantic Ocean during the American Revolution. As you educated Classicalites know, Lafayette played an integral role in coercing his Gallic brethren to support the patriot cause.

Lafayette is presented by the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF) and the Friends of Hermoine-Lafayette in America, Inc. This short, one-act play stars Paul Cendron and Becca Ballenger, is written by Ian Curteis and directed by John Michael DiResta. The world premiere performance will be on April 22 at FIAF's Florence Gould Hall. Theater lovers are in for a treat with Lafayette, but history buffs will be especially pleased to know that at the end of each performance, there will be a Q&A with the directors and actors.

Inspired by the letters of Marquis de Lafayette to his wife, Lafayette is a wholly orginial work that tells the tale of the 19-year-old who sailed to America as a volunteer soldier and helped win the war as a general in George Washington's army. Lafayette was integral in getting the French to champion the patriot cause. In 1778, a wounded Lafayette returned to France to lobby King Louis XVI for support of the American Revolution. The French supplied half a dozen ships and thousands of infantry soldiers in support of the colonial plight, which would help turn the tide of war and lead the fledgling insurgents to victory. Naturally, the French were williing and ready to lend aid to anyone who stood against the British crown.

As for his own majesty's ship? She's a hand-crafted, 213-foot replica of the original L'Hermoine that will sail to the United States from France this spring. On April 25, after nearly 16 years of reconstructing what she looked like, L'Hermoine will finally set sail for the United States. This Atlanic voyage is expected to last about 42 days, before making port in Yorktown, Virginia.

For more information regarding the incredible journey upon which L'Hermoine will soon embark--just to make it out of the shipyard even--visit the American Sail Training Association.