In a tribute Ernie K-Doe could certainly bless, playwright Rob Florence will bring his play Katrina: Mother-in-Law of ‘Em All to the Joy Theater on August 28 and 29.

Set in the Mother-in-Law Lounge, this docu-theatre piece depicts the real-life Katrina experiences of six survivors as they come together for a reunion on the anniversary of the storm.

The cast features Troi Bechet, Zeb Hollins, Troy Poplous, Janet Shea, and two actors who will performing as themselves in their own actual stories: Rudy Rasmussen and Sidney Smith.

While the play includes somber and vivid depictions of the horrors of the storm and its aftermath, the general tone is upbeat and humorous: a testament to the resilience of the people of New Orleans.

Since 2006, several versions of this docu-theatre piece have been produced to acclaim on stages around the country.

In addition to the play, Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes will put on a pre-show performance entitled 1927 Flood: Songs My Father Taught Me.

The Joy Theater lobby will host Tom Neff’s  photography exhibit, Holding Out and Hanging On: Surviving Hurricane Katrina.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Friday, August 28 and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 29.

To purchase tickets, visit www.thejoytheater.com, or call (504) 928-9569.