October 18, 2020

Theatre Pirates
– CBC

August 18, 2017

Theatre review: Nomadic Tempest a climatopian extravaganza on False Creek
– Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Sun

 

August 13, 2017

Interview with NXNW Podcast
– North by Northwest Podcast guest host Margaret Gallgher climbs aboard Caravan Stage Company’s tall ship Amara Zee with Adriana Kelder, tech columnist Jamey Ordolis on emojis, “Jam Camp” with percussionist Robin Layne.

 

July 11, 2017

Roundhouse Radio Live Interview with Paul Kirby
– Impact with Don Shafer, Roundhouse Radio, Vancouver, BC

 

July 11, 2017

Strong and Sharp Live with Paul Kirby, talking about their upcoming show, #NomadicTempest
– Roundhouse Radio, Vancouver, BC

 

July 10, 2017

Nomadic Tempest: A Climatopian Rock Opera
– The Source Newspaper, Vancouver, BC

 

July 7, 2017

Nomadic Tempest at Gibsons Landing
– Sunshine Coast Tourism, BC

 

July 8, 2017

How to Capture the Stunning Light of a Seaside Summer on the Sunshine Coast
– Festival Seekers

 

June 10, 2017

Tall Ship Show Coming to Gibsons July 26-29
– Coast Reporter

 

June 6, 2017

Amara Zee Docks at Riverfront Park
– ABC 12 News Beaumont, TX

 

June 2, 2017

Aerial Storytellers Begin Ship Show Tonight
– Beaumont Enterprise

 

May 30, 2017

Nomadic Tempest Warns of Warming Seas
– NolaVie

 

May 15, 2017

Mast Appeal – Caravan Stage presents Nomadic Tempest
– By Will Coviello, Gambit Weekly

 

Its founders always wanted to perform outside and challenge themselves to capture its audience’s attention with spectacle. Shows incorporate circus performance skills and video and graphics projected onto the scrim.

 

“We have to use visual tricks,” Kirby says. “We realized we have a large drive-in theater.”

 

The company also addresses contemporary topics, such as climate change, and the fossil fuel industry figures in the Nomadic Tempest story. Kirby believes topical issues attract both audiences and performers.

 

April 18, 2017

Caravan Stage Company to present Nomadic Tempest May 10-20 
– Gambit

 

May 6, 2017

“The Captain of Amara Zee & Creator of Nomadic Tempest shared with the crew and performers several months ago, in light of the current political climate, that his stories inevitably portend a future reality. He admitted, the belief that this story- NOMADIC TEMPEST; one of refugees, migration and the rising, angry Seas is freakishly relevant now, more than ever. And here is proof…

 

The Gulf of Mexico has been in a state of confusion with low pressure systems, strong winds, higher than normal waves and currents strong and reversed, the past two weeks. These unusual conditions, for this time of year, have meant delaying the departure of the 90 ft. Tall Ship Amara Zee, since April 22, 2017.

 

After a series of successful shows premiered in the City of St. Petersburg, Florida USA April 4-15 2017, the performers transitioned to crew and packed away Nomadic Tempest aboard Amara Zee, in preparation for a routine 7-day voyage to New Orleans, Louisiana. Watching and waiting for a large enough window to make passage. Late Monday evening, May 1st, the Ship cast off into The Gulf of Mexico heading for Carrabelle, Florida on the Florida’s panhandle; a trip made several times in the past by Amara Zee. After 11 hours of making steady headway, the winds quickly changed from SE to N 18 hours earlier than forecasted. With wind on our nose, clouds building in the distance and waves building to 2-3 ft and 9 ft. predicted, the ship turned 180° and reluctantly motored back to St. Petersburg, FL.

 

This is no ordinary Tall Ship. Amara Zee, a flat-bottomed replica of a Thames River Sailing Barge is home to the Caravan Stage Company, a collective of 19 performers and crew, expected in New Orleans, LA. by May 10th in order to fulfill commitments to perform from May 18th to the 21st, at Pontchartrain Landing.”

 

Further reading on current Global Weirding: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/science/ct-gulf-of-mexico-warm-waters-20170323-story.html

 

The Caravan Stage Company, created in Victoria, BC in 1970, by Paul Kirby and Adriana Kelder, is a professional non-profit theatre company travelling and performing with a diverse cast; creating original experimental theatre & opera, encompassing the themes of civil rights and environmental justice.  The Caravan began as the World’s Only Horse Drawn Theatre Company- the one wagon puppet show traveling throughout Vancouver Island grew to become a major theatrical organization with a 25 person company of actors, musicians, artists and technicians touring in six large wagons pulled by a team of Clydesdale horses.

 

June 2-3, 2017

International theatrical tall ship anchors at beaumont riverfront park 

 

“Unlike ANYTHING you’ll ever see – Caravan Stage Company’s final performances IN THE U.S., for 2 NIGHTS ONLY, before departing for Canada.

 

The Caravan Stage Company arrives in Beaumont, Texas to stage their latest production Nomadic Tempest at Beaumont Riverfront Park, Friday June 2 & Saturday June 3. Shows begin at 9 pm., advanced tickets at caravanstage.org // EVENTBRITE

 

NOMADIC TEMPEST is performed aboard The Company’s 90 foot Tall Ship, Amara Zee, a replica of a Thames River Sailing Barge. The 21 foot wide Tall Ship transforms the entire deck, masts and all the rigging into a technologically innovative, contemporary theater.  The production is a continuous cinematic panorama of originally designed video graphics, animations and images; simulating the flight paths of the Monarchs gliding upwards of 4000 ft. above the Earth. Within the upper trusses and the lower decks, as the Aerialists cavort, a palette of surprises, colors, and mechanical transformations are engineered into this one-of-a-kind experimental rock opera.

 

Audiences gather on the shore and experience original music, soaring vocals, aerial artistry and large scenic elements backed by spectacular lighting and sound effects combined to create the visual and auditory feast that has enthralled audiences of all ages in North America and Europe.  Performing in areas most impacted by rising sea levels and the realities of forced migration due to Climate Change, Nomadic Tempest premiered in St. Petersburg, FL. April 4th, 2017 & perform in New Orleans May 17-21 before arriving in Beaumont, TX.

 

PAY WHAT YOU CAN ~ SUGGESTED DONATION IS $25.00 // $15 for STUDENTS // $10 for YOUTH.

 

Your donation helps subsidize the production and our ability to offer our performances to those who might not otherwise be able to attend. We believe that theatre is one of the most effective mediums for change! Just as we work to bring this unique theatre to as many people as possible, we strive to widely spread awareness through our dazzling storytelling. ALL ARE WELCOME regardless of socio-economic circumstances. IF you are unable to attend a show, please consider supporting us through our fundraising campaign.

Editorial Contact: email: amarazee@gmail.com”

 

March 30, 2017

Arts In: Caravan Stage – Creative Pinellas 
– Podcast Interview with Adriana Kelder

 

May 18-21, 2017

International theatrical tall ship anchors at Pontchartrain landing – Caravan Stage Company returns to New Orleans, LA.
– New Orleans Eventful

 

April 27, 2017

The Caravan Stage Company returns to the New Orleans area to stage their latest production Nomadic Tempest at Pontchartrain Landing Marina Resort, May 18- 21. Shows begin at 9 pm., advanced tickets at caravanstage.org or EVENTBRITE

 

NOMADIC TEMPEST is performed aboard The Company’s 90 foot Tall Ship, Amara Zee, a replica of a Thames River Sailing Barge. The 21 foot wide Tall Ship transforms the entire deck, masts and all the rigging into a technologically innovative, contemporary theater. The production is a continuous cinematic panorama of originally designed video graphics, animations and images; simulating the flight paths of the Monarchs gliding upwards of 4000 ft. above the Earth. Within the upper trusses and the lower decks, as the Aerialists cavort, a palette of surprises, colors, and mechanical transformations are engineered into this one-of-a-kind experimental rock opera.

 

NOMADIC TEMPEST is a mythical saga of a band of monarch butterflies; forced to migrate due to climate-change. The butterflies, embodied by four talented aerial artists, serve as a metaphor for today’s Climate Refugees. The Monarchs are from four global regions: Salish Sea, Syria, China and Mexico, each with their own tongue: Hunqeminem, Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish. Their song is sung in each of the above languages, and the original English lyrics are projected as subtitles during the show. Kanandra, the narrator/singer, can foresee the future, but is cursed by the SwallowWarts, the evil oil industry, so that no one believes her prophecies. She can understand and speak the tongue of all species on the Planet & finds herself last on Earth with the butterflies. Together, they combat the SwallowWarts, in order to protect and ultimately save the planet.

 

Audiences gather on the shore and experience original music, soaring vocals, aerial artistry and large scenic elements backed by spectacular lighting and sound effects combined to create the visual and auditory feast that has enthralled audiences of all ages in North America and Europe. Performing in areas most impacted by rising sea levels and the realities of forced migration due to Climate Change, Nomadic Tempest premiered in St. Petersburg, FL. April 4th, 2017.

 

Beyond New Orleans, the Caravan Stage Company travels to Beaumont, Texas June 2-3 before transported through the Panama Canal to British Columbia, Canada; the final destination and the Caravan’s original home over 45 years ago.

 

The Caravan Stage Company, created in Victoria, BC in 1970, by Paul Kirby and Adriana Kelder, is a professional non-profit theatre company travelling and performing with a diverse cast; creating original experimental theatre & opera, encompassing the themes of civil rights and environmental justice. The Caravan began as the World’s Only Horse Drawn Theatre Company- the one wagon puppet show traveling throughout Vancouver Island grew to become a major theatrical organization with a 25 person company of actors, musicians, artists and technicians touring in six large wagons pulled by a team of Clydesdale horses.

 

PAY WHAT YOU CAN ~ SUGGESTED DONATION IS $25.00 // $15 for STUDENTS // $10 for YOUTH.

 

Your donation helps subsidize the production and our ability to offer our performances to those who might not otherwise be able to attend. We believe that theatre is one of the most effective mediums for change! Just as we work to bring this unique theatre to as many people as possible, we strive to widely spread awareness through our dazzling storytelling. ALL ARE WELCOME regardless of socio-economic circumstances. IF you are unable to attend a show, please consider supporting us through our fundraising campaign.

 

Tall Ship replica in St. Pete is the stage of a ‘Spectacle Opera’

 

March 28, 2017

Tall ship replica in St. Pete is the stage of a ‘spectacle opera’
– Tampa Bay Times

 

If you’re driving along Third Street S, or just happen to be taking in the view of Bayboro Harbor behind the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s library, you might have noticed a mysterious black ship tied off on the seawall. Glance inland, across tiny Poynter Park, and you’ll see a towering scaffold. The ship looks like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean, or our long-lost Bounty.

 

Clearly, something’s afoot. But there is no sign. No buckskin-clad actor passing out handbills or selling glow-in-the-dark swords. Think a little harder and the conclusion becomes obvious: This must be some kind of traveling theater company, probably about to put on a rock opera.

 

March 20, 2017

Caravan Stage on Daytime TV
– WFLA-TV

 

Created in 1970, by Paul Kirby and Adriana Kelder, the Caravan started as a one wagon puppet show traveling on Vancouver island it grew to become a major theatrical organization with a 25 person company of actors, musicians, artists and technicians touring in six large wagons each one pulled by a team of matched bay Clydesdales. The mandate of the Caravan was to bring original theatrical productions directly into the lives of people who seldom had the opportunity to experience the performing arts.

 

March 30, 2017

Creative Pinellas, St. Petersburg
– Arts In: Caravan Stage

 

There’s a ship docked in downtown St. Pete with aerialists flying from the rigging. It’s a ship filled with actors and dancers and theatre crew, creating a visually spectacular story about climate change.  Adriana Kelder started the Caravan Stage Company with Paul Kirby in the 1970s. They’ve been bringing original productions to small towns and cities around North America – and Europe – for more than 40 years.

 

March 8, 2017

Shiver Me Timbers! The Caravan Has Come To Town
– The Crow’s Nest St. Petersburg

 

“Among the identical weekend yachts docked at Bayboro Harbor, passersby would have a hard time missing this 85-foot-long replica of a 19th century Thames River sailing barge. It is the Amara Zee, and it looks like something out of Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus.” Picture a crew of more than 20 young aerialists, acrobats, opera singers and stagehands calling the nautical theater their home. They sail around the world, performing original waterfront productions onboard the 21-foot-wide deck.”

 

April 11-15, 2017

PRESS RELEASE IN PDF – for Immediate Release
– World Premiere Set For St. Petersburg, FL. 

 

September 26, 2014

A ‘Theater Fantasy’ Brings High Seas to Red Hook 
– Wall Street Journal

 The set for ‘Hacked: The Treasure Of The Empire’ sits atop the tall ship Amara Zee at the Gowanus Bay Terminal

 

 

May 7, 2014

Nautical Cirque d’Soleil 
– Gulf Latitudes

 

“Many odd vessels have been spotted transiting the ICW and the coastal waters of the South, but a truly unique sight cover2will be plying the coastlines throughout the summer. Shipped from Europe last summer, a 100′ Thames Barge and her theatrical troupe and crew of Europeans and North Americans are transiting the Gulf Coast and then Florida to arrive in Jacksonville for the start of their North American tour. Best described as a nautical Cirque d’Soleil, although they prefer to be compared as more of a descendant of the theatrical troupes that travelled Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries, who set up their productions in the plazas of Florence and Venice and brought their satirical expressionism straight to the people.”

 

August 20, 2013

Caravan Stage develops traveling pirate show in Lafitte
– Gambit

  

“Pirates are again gathering and plotting in Lafitte. The shipborne theater group Caravan Stage Company is docked along the Intracoastal Waterway where crew members are developing a pirate-themed musical/circus arts show it will unveil in spring and take on a tour up the East Coast to Canada, the Great Lakes and downriver into the Ohio Valley.Caravan Stage last docked in Lafitte in 2002 before embarking on a similar odyssey. For the last eight years, the group has toured Europe, starting in Rotterdam and going as far south as the Greece and Turkey. 

It presented a trilogy about global climate change and indigenous cultures, and its most recent show was the beginning of a new series about piracy. It concluded with the pirates stealing a treasure of gold from a bank, which they intend to redistribute around the globe Robin Hood-style. In the beginning of the forthcoming show Hacked…The Treasure of the Empire, the pirates and the treasure are captured. But it’s also a modern story, with themes about the surveillance state, computer hacking and mammoth global corporations. 

Caravan Stage travels with a crew of 18-24 onboard, including boat and technical crew and performers. The company seeks to present its multi-media and musical spectaculars to new audiences. Shows combine video, light projections, puppets, singing, aerialists and acrobats, and they use the boat and its riggings as a stage. The shows are spectacle-driven (think Cirque de Soleil on a ship), but themes are often progressive (ie about the loss of indigenous cultures, preservation of natural resources, pro-democracatization). As choreographers develop the movement for the new show, the tech crew is designing a mini-roller coaster that will be stretch between the masts and be a main feature in Hacked. 

Caravan Stage was founded by Paul Kirby and Adriana Kelder in 1970. The two met while working in the alternative press in Montreal, Canada, but they moved to western Canada to start a traveling puppet and musical theater company. For 20 years, they grew as a Clydesdale horse-drawn caravan, presenting alternative theatrical performances across Canada and the United States. Eventually, they decided to shed the limitations of fitting their shows on horse-drawn wagons and undertook to build their boat, the Amara Zee. 

“We’re a pauper theater company,” Kirby says. 

It took four years to build their vessel and they secured donations of equipment from roughly 700 companies to outfit it. The flat-bottomed boat is a Thames sailing barge design, and it’s not meant for ocean voyages — the flat bottom allows them to dock in areas best-suited to reach audiences. They generally ask cities and festivals to pay for the shows and offer them to local audiences for free.

The boat had to be shipped back from Europe in June, and it arrived in Houston in mid-July. The crew then sailed it to Lafitte, where it has been docked for 12 days. The current crew includes a polyglot mix of North Americans and Europeans from the most recent tour, and more will join the group as it prepares to embark on its 2014 tour. 

The crew expects to host an open house and preview of material in Hacked in late September. 

At the conclusion of the 2014 tour, the boat will return to Houston and be loaded onto trucks for its first over-land tour across Texas and the Southwest. It’s eventual destination is the Puget Sound in Washington State.”

 

June 18, 2013

BBC Chartering moves “Tall Ship Theatre”
– BBC Chartering

 

“June 18, 2013 – BBC Chartering is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Caravan Stage Company’s Tall Ship Theater. The Caravan Stage Company is a non-profit theatrical company that brings innovative performances to shore audiences from the deck of the ‘Amara Zee’.

On June 15, 2013, BBC Chartering loaded the 30m long ‘Amara Zee’ (125mt) on board the m/v BBC Ohio in Salerno, Italy for transatlantic transport to Houston. It will then travel on its own keel to New Orleans to prepare for its upcoming show, “Hacked…The Treasure of the Empire.” The performance is scheduled for the end of September. 

Adriana Kelder, show producer and designer of the Caravan Stage Company, got excited about the successful loading. “When the Amara Zee finally settled on to the deck of the BBC Ohio, a resounding cheer was heard from the crews, a standing ovation to the BBC Chartering Team! This is about as good as it gets for a beautiful theatre ship in performance!” 

Svend Andersen, BBC Chartering’s CEO proudly said,“We are excited to see the Amara Zee move with BBC Chartering and we are pleased that we can help bring the Caravan Stage Company’s show to people around the world.” 

About BBC Chartering – BBC Chartering is based in Leer, Germany and commenced operations in 1997 with a fleet of seven multipurpose vessels. The company today markets the single largest multipurpose and heavy lift fleet in the market. Fleet size and composition ensure high performance levels to charterers offering lifting capacities up to 800mt on tramp, liner and contract services.”

 

June 28, 2011

BBC Chartering sponsors the Caravan Stage Company, Tall Ship Theatre return to North America
– Monopoli Live

 

“The Caravan Stage Company, with thetall ship, Amara Zee, after touringthe rivers and seas of Europe, is coming back toNorth American. BBC Chartering, aworld leader in the ocean carriage of heavy lift and project cargoes,is sponsoring the return of the Amara Zee to the USA. In June 2013, departing fromGenoa, Italy,the 30meter, 100 Ton, Amara Zee will be lifted ontoone of the BBC Chartering heavy lift carriersand shipped tothesouthern USA.

The Caravan directors, Paul Kirby and Adriana Kelder are very pleased and excited to work with the renowned and respected BBC Chartering. The Caravan is a non-for-profit professionalcompany that has performed their original contemporary spectacles on their theatre ship for communitiesall over North America and Europe. The Caravan is very pleased and grateful for the generosity and support of BBC Chartering to help promote and encourage the arts internationally, crossing borders and sharing cultures.

The Amara Zee, the custom-built theatreship,was originally built in Kingston, Canada from 1993 to 1997. From 1997 to 2005 the company toured and performed in cities and towns through out the Atlantic seaboard, Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico…as well as small villages and communities that are not even on the official maps! Have Theatre Ship will visit and perform.

In 2005, the Amara Zee left New Orleans for the start a five-year European Odyssey. Five years grew into eight, with visits to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.

Along the way, the Caravan has worked with professional artists and theatre technicians from all these countries. Artistic Director, Paul Kirby says: “The Caravan European Odyssey has been thrilling and exhilarating adventure.” 

Now the time has come for the Caravan to return to North America. In 2013, a new show, an experimental musical called:‘HACKED: The Treasure of the Empire!’will be produced. It is a tale of pirate activists who,through virtual and creative manipulation, battle the corrupting icons of our past and present world. 

The Caravan Stage Company heartily thanks BBC Chartering for the Atlantic crossing. The Caravan, on it’s beautiful traditional sailing ship the Amara Zee, will sail on to further adventures connecting water and land, arts and theatre, hearts and souls.”

La Caravan Stage Company riempie il porto….. di contenuti

“Una fantasia di musica, colori ed evoluzioni acrobatiche in un bagno di folla al porto di Monopoli. Lo spettacolo presentato dalla Caravan Stage Company, cocktail di mezza estate sospeso fra musical, teatro di figura e impegno politico con incursioni nel mondo delle arti visuali ha soffiato riflessioni di “pensiero critico” sugli spettatori. Il tema della crisi costante del capitalismo attraverso gli occhioni delle sei maschere parlanti, simbolo delle lobby di potere mondiali, in un mondo grottesco dominato da potenti senza scrupoli che tentano di raggiungere il dominio totale attraverso l’eugenetica e il controllo sistematico delle masse. Scenografie intriganti, musiche dal vivo e attori saltimbanchi pronti a coinvolgere il pubblico sui sintomi umani delle derive conformiste imputate di omologazione. Il trionfo del teatro sperimentale del comandante Paul Kirby, della sua compagna Adriana Kelder e di tutta la troupe, in quella dolce accoglienza che solo i porti sanno riservare agli avventurieri. Il pubblico, all’inizio un po’ spiazzato, ha certamente gradito l’opportunita di svago politico offerta dai teatranti che sono ripartiti in mattinata alla vota di Brindisi, loro prossima tappa.”

 

June 8, 2011

Caravan Stage Company: A stunning water performance in Fano, Italy
– Caravan Stage Company News Spot – Buongiorno Italia

“A theatrical performance by Amara Zee, a 27 metre sailing boat, will be offered for free on the 10th and 11th June for the inhabitants of Fano and tourists as the first ‘stop’ in the new tour. This is what has been proposed by Tall Ship Caravan Stage theatre, a theatre company with Canadian origins.”

October 5, 2004

Caravan Stage Company News Spot – Buongiorno Italia

 

“BELLEVILLE, ON, October 5, 2004 — The Caravan Stage Company has presented plays of substance for over 30 years beginning in horse drawn caravans to their current 90 foot tall ship. The Company that started life in British Columbia (BC) as the world’s only horse drawn theatre troupe, is about to embark on a three year “European Waters” tour in 2005, debuting their new play, “Vanishing Currents” first in Holland and Belgium, then England (2006) and Germany and The Baltic. (2007).

Principals, Adriana Kelder and Paul Kirby have crisscrossed North America presenting and performing original Canadian plays since 1970. Fueled by an apprenticeship in the turbulent 60’s in Montreal producing LOGOS, an underground newspaper, they turned to theatre to communicate their ideas and concepts beyond the printed word. 

Their first project in 1970, the LITTLE PEOPLE’S CARAVAN, toured vibrant puppet shows in a one horse wagon from Vancouver Island to the interior of BC. By 1974, there were three wagons.

Puppets morphed into outdoor theatre in 1975 with the creation of The CARAVAN STAGE COMPANY. 25 actors, musicians, artists and technicians traveling in 5 large horse drawn wagons performed original Canadian productions throughout rural and urban BC, Alberta, Ontario, Washington, Oregon, California, New York and Florida.

The Company continued to travel and perform into the early 90’s when a new and very ambitious dream started taking shape. Imagine a sailing “tall ship”, filled with actors, musicians, dancers and aerial artists, traveling from port to port performing for an audience sitting ashore. 

That dream became a reality in 1997 with the launch of the 90′ (30 meter) AMARA ZEE (meaning: heart of the sea goddess). The ship, built in Kingston, Ontario, is an accurate replica of an 1800`s Thames Sailing Barge that combines the best of present day marine design and theatre technology. The entire vessel provides the stage and backdrop for newer and more adventurous productions. The Company has performed at waterfronts from Miami to Boston, New York to Kingston and Chicago to New Orleans from 1997 to the present. 

“Vanishing Currents” is The Company`s latest, contemporary and provocative presentation. Playwright, Paul Kirby`s summation, “In current times, survival is a matter of trying to stay afloat in a container full of vanishing dreams in a sea of global fantasy” is reflected by author, Howard Zinn`s response, “…VANISHING CURRENTS…is a wonderfully imaginative, poetic fanciful work while making a serious comment on the world today.” The play, second in a trilogy, began with the much praised “Red Tides” and will be followed by “Utopian Drifts.”