Parading at Continuing Care Homes
Stories of the Summer part 5 of 5
Written by Magan Carty
Art has a way of re-energizing and re-awakening the young parts in all of us. And one of the most magical things about puppetry, especially during a pandemic, is the fact that puppets aren’t limited by social distancing in the same way people are. They can walk and dance towards each other and find ways to hug, interact and connect in ways we humans cannot. They can bring joy, interest and delight to those experiencing isolation.
When I first learned about Nakai Theatre’s summer programming, I was most excited about bringing our parades of puppets to residents in continuing care. This is something I know my grandparents would have absolutely adored. In the first week of July, we visited three continuing care homes: Copper Ridge Place, the Thomson Centre and Whistle Bend Place. Marching on the puppet path was a sure highlight of the summer.
Just as our ensemble of staff, musicians and volunteers were gearing up, residents and their caregivers were gathering on their terraces and balconies readying themselves to enjoy the show. Some stayed in bed and watched from their windows. I loved the multilayered aspect of this performance. We weren’t just playing to a crowd on the same level as us; we were playing up three-storeys.
Singer-songwriter Claire Ness sported a complete marching band outfit and led the parade with a brand-new song called “Big Fish.” Very apropos for our Big Fish Summer. She played the guitar and kazoo in addition to singing. Andrea McColeman and Marc Paradis added percussion instruments and an accordian to the mix. I couldn’t get the lyrics “I’m a big fish in a tiny little pond” out of my head all week, and I am certain many other performers and audience members who sang and clapped along felt the same.
Susie-Anne Bartsch’s giant orange fish, playfully named Carpe, stole the show. She operated it from the inside and would swim up to people and interact with them as the fish. Their joy and gratitude was infectious. Susie Anne’s dad, Chris, came down from his bedroom at Whistlebend Place to join the parade and surprise his friends inside.
Many residents thanked each of us performers individually as we paraded by. It’s moments like these that remind us artists how much what we do matters.