The horrible tragedy that took place in New Orleans last fall is already drifting out of public memory, and the absolute scandal that is the lack of planning and action for the rebuilding of the city is not getting near enough attention in the press or on the air.

If you are planning to do a program discussing all this -- and I hope you will -- this piece certainly could be used as a part of it.

This is basically the story of Roger, who was a builder in the old, grand city -- and is hanging on there, hoping to build again. His old crew is still scattered around the country, and he hopes they'll eventually come back.

At first it bothered me that there is so little sound in this production. After all, it's from New Orleans! But maybe this near-silence accurately reflects the shattered city of today.

I think the producer should have considered trying to do this story as a monologue -- just letting alone Roger talk. The copy bridges don't add all that much, and sometimes fall into cliche. Also, the producer starts out talking like a normal person, but, as the piece goes on, tries to convey emotion and pain in a way that sounds forced and false.

Still, not bad for a beginner. A thoughtful little vignette from a desperate city. Surrounded by other elements, this piece (or excerpts from it) could definitely add something to a New Orleans-themed program.