Enjoyed by over 250 million viewers around the world, South Africa's longest-running show is finally coming to the US. African Footprint kicks off its North American tour at the CAC in New Orleans on November 1, marking the city's first major theatrical event since Hurricane Katrina. Academy Award-winning star of stage and screen Louis Gossett Jr., an avid supporter of the production, will host the gala premiere, as well as all New Orleans performances at the CAC.

African Footprint tells the vibrant and diverse history of South Africa through a breathtaking blend of Afro- and Euro-centric music and dance. A cast of 30 energetic performers has created a show so exciting and entertaining that critics have dubbed AFRICAN FOOTPRINT "the Riverdance of South Africa ".

In 1998, South African Performer/Producer Richard Loring started a school for disadvantaged South African youth interested in performance. When CNN decided to broadcast Millennial Festivities, on New Years Eve 1999, from the prison cell where Mandela had been held at Robben Island , Loring's troupe was invited to perform. The performance, broadcast around the world, became the launching pad for African Footprint. Since its splashy conception, the production has played for seven years in South Africa , 20 years touring Europe, as well as numerous engagements throughout Australia, China, Israel and India . The show has been seen by over 250 million audience members, including luminaries such as Bill Clinton, HRH Prince Charles and Nelson Mandela.

To purchase advance tickets: visit the CAC (900 Camp St.); visit www.cacno.org or www.africanfootprint.com; or call the CAC Box Office at 504-528-3800.