Liberty in Louisiana by James Workman is believed to be the oldest published play involving Louisiana, written in 1804 to celebrate the Louisiana Purchase. Set in New Orleans during a twenty-four-hour period from December 19 to 20, 1803, the narrative covers the final day of Spanish rule and the first day of American control. (Workman makes the handover from Spain to France to the United States occur all in one day.) This comedy of manners centers around a rich heiress named Laura and the various characters attempting to steal her money, including con artists Phelim O’Flinn and Sawny M‘Gregor. Meanwhile, her guardian and corrupt Spanish judge Don Bertoldo plots to divorce his wife and force Laura into wedlock so he can claim her wealth for himself. Will the Americans arrive in time to thwart the evil plots and save the day?

About the Author

James Workman was born in Ireland and studied law in England before immigrating to the United States in 1799. He moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and published and produced Liberty in Louisiana there in 1804. He moved to New Orleans shortly thereafter and advanced quickly in the legal and political system, taking on the role of secretary to Governor Claiborne. He later became a judge. Though the details are disputed, Workman was caught up in the Burr controversy, after which he was pushed out of his judgeship, put on trial, and disbarred. Eventually found not guilty, Workman left New Orleans but returned ten years later. He remained in the Crescent City until his death in 1832 as a well-respected citizen of the town.