We would like to announce that the theme for Louisiana’s first annual World Steampunk Exposition is: Phantom of the Steampunk Opera.
The theme is based upon The Phantom of the Opera (French: Le Fantôme de l’Opéra) a French novel by author Gaston Leroux. It was first published as a serial in Le Gaulois from 23 September 1909 to 8 January 1910, and was released in volume form in late March 1910 by Pierre Lafitte. The novel is partly inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera during the nineteenth century, and by an apocryphal tale concerning the use of a former ballet pupil’s skeleton in Carl Maria von Weber’s 1841 production of Der Freischütz.
Like the novel, this year’s event will be set in a Steampunk-Inspired setting that is enhanced by the French architecture of Home2 Suites and Parc Lafayette. The theme of the Expo will enhanced by a Phantom-inspired storyline that will run throughout the event. Special events, such as the Cabaret and Ball will enhance the immersive experience of the event.
Patrons are encouraged to draw inspiration from 1890’s Paris, The Phantom of the Opera, and Steampunk tropes to build their own costumes. The Phantom of the Opera has been made into numerous horror movies and plays and these may serve as additional inspiration.
