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!
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.
Piper and Pam in 2022