A Steampunk Caravan Theatre from Dizzy O’Dare
There is no doubt that the ‘Steampunk Victorian time machine’ styled theatre featured in Amazing Spaces TV series and the book have drawn inspiration from Jeules Verne and Lemony Snickets, and have come up with something both unique and fantastical. It even has hints of the post-apocalyptic ‘Mad Max, Thunderdome’, and the more modern ‘Wild Wild West’ feature film staring Will Smith.
Michael and Alana who run Dizzy O’Dare have a background in street theatre and circus. Originally they had a smaller set on the back of a trike and loved the way it got the crowd involved in their act. They were mobile and self-sufficient but they wanted a bigger set that had a number of uses. That’s when the idea of adapting a caravan grew, with the aim of it being an instillation in itself and a backdrop for their show.
To transform the caravan they had to rely on the skills of a huge number of people. They had carpenters, artists, puppet makers and other artists help them turn their ideas into reality.
“It is truly a team effort. When people see an interesting and crazy project they want to be a part of it. They work hard to create a picture or imaginary world and love to be a part of building something like that. Thankfully we had no shortage of brilliant contributors happy to share their creative ideas and inspiration for this project.”
They recycled a lot of the inside of the caravan. They sold everything like appliances, window and everything that was removed that they didn’t need. They have used old artefacts, like clocks, to create a Steampunk mechanical feel, by making cogs and buttons and to keep it as quirky as possible.
Originally they were going to take everything out and start from a blank canvas, but as it is an old caravan it had a lot of charm. The windows looked quite nautical and as one of their inspirations was Jeules Verne it was perfect.
“It’s as if a genius inventor has taken his caravan to time travel through imaginations and collect these artefacts as he goes.”
In this unique project Michael, Alana and their team of happy helpers have taken the best bits of literature, historical ideas and art and turned it into something that appeals to everyone’s imaginations. It is like a dream or another kind of joyous reality and provokes others to play with their own imaginations and become inspired.
Picture Credit: Ben Anders
