Organizers are kicking into high gear in preparation for hosting the Caravan Stage Company and their touring production, Nomadic Tempest, from June 28 to July 1 at the Kus-Kus-Sum site on the Courtenay River.
The Nomadic Tempest is a self-contained performance from the rigging of a 90-foot tall ship called the Amara Zee – a replica of a Thames River Sailing Barge. Local organizers are faced with turning the abandoned sawmill site in Courtenay into a functioning venue for audiences.
Read More: Multi-media spectacle coming to Courtenay River
Project Watershed and Elevate have combined forces to bring this show to the community. Alyssa Bird of Elevate said the two organizations are a perfect match for the project.
“Project Watershed is passionate about restoring the natural environment and supporting the health of our estuary,” said Bird. “Elevate is passionate about re-imagining place and bringing the community together to create new spaces through imagination and collaboration.”
The Nomadic Tempest is an intense, gritty, and timely post-apocalyptic rock opera about climate refugees in a future drowned world complete with aerials, projections, and an original score. Audiences gather on the shore and experience soaring vocals, aerial artistry and large scenic elements backed by spectacular lighting and sound effects. All these elements combine to create a visual and auditory feast that has enthralled audiences across North America and Europe.
According to organizers, the theatrical presentation is purposefully being performed in areas most impacted by rising sea levels, flooding and forced migration caused by climate change.
Throughout the next week, organizers and over 100 volunteers will be busy moving industrial debris, clearing blackberries, sweeping the site, hooking up power, setting up fencing and installing seating, tenting and projection towers.
Tickets for the four-night run of Nomadic Tempest are on sale now. $25 or adults and $10 for 14 and under. Gates open each night at 8 p.m. with food, drink and dessert vendors, pre-show music and time to enjoy the stunning scenery and unique experience of being on the site. The show will start at dusk, with the event wrapping up around 11 p.m. each night.
For ticket links as well as all the details about parking, generous community sponsors and supporters, location and the site visit projectwatershed.ca or elevatethearts.com.
