Every spring Bard returns to its home in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park to rebuild our Festival site. And when we raise the Bard tents and construct our Village, we also install the ranks of portapotties that are a familiar – and functional – part of the Bard experience.
But here’s a twist: if you thought there’s nothing decorative about a portable toilet unit, think again.
For many years now, our Company’s backstage portapotties have been decorated by a theatre professional. The brilliant Set Designer Pam Johnson works her magic to make them cleverly colourful. And Pam has a partner on this project – our Head of Properties’ daughter, Piper Wilkinson. Piper started helping Pam at age 7 when she came to Bard with her mom, Heidi, and these two have been on the job ever since, adding charm and delight where you’d least expect it!
![](https://bardonthebeach.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Portapotty-2016.png)
Pam Johnson and Piper Wilkinson in 2016
“The portapotties have been such a fun tradition for me – I’ve been doing it since I was little and it seems to put a smile on peoples faces!” –– Piper Wilkinson
Piper’s design skills and commitment have grown through the years and now, at 20, she’s about to head off to Toronto to begin a demanding four-year Fashion Design program. Piper, we’ll be able to say we knew you when! And thanks and ever thanks to these two gifted members of the Bard family.
![](https://bardonthebeach.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Portapotty-2022.png)
Piper and Pam in 2022