Théâtre Roulant

This month, we are excited to highlight the work of Théâtre Roulant, Canada’s only horse-drawn theatre caravan! As part of the Station Road Arts Collective and headed by Playwright and Co-Producer Conrad Beaubien along with Director and Co-Producer John Burns, the Collective is involved in various artistic pursuits. Théâtre Roulant is their venue for their prime focus, theatrical work.

The Collective began in 2001 as an assembly of theatre professionals who launched a series of original stage plays. Since then, audiences have been coming back for more of these original stories elevated to the stage. Integrating the use of animation and film in its productions, the Collective has enjoyed increasing popularity for its inventiveness of performances in their repurposed original Mennonite-built 1960s hay wagon while highlighting the talent of local writers, producers, actors and crew members.

Conrad is a multimedia artist with a long-standing career in film, television and theatre. Recently, we asked him to tell us more about what Théâtre Roulant has going on this summer, including three original plays: Private Reuben Pearce, An Evening with Shakes-Beer (and Whine), and Dying Like This. Read on to learn more about these plays, his creative inspiration, and advice he would give to artists just starting out.

Tell us about any artistic projects you have going on this upcoming month that you’d like people to know about:

Théâtre Roulant is premiering three original plays aboard the Theatre caravan which will be located at The Waring House, just outside of Picton. We are pleased to present an original play, Dying Like This, by Maureen Jennings. Maureen is the renowned author of the TV series Murdoch Mysteries. In addition, there will be plays by myself titled Private Reuben Pearce, based on real people and events in PEC. For those who like a laugh there is also the Monty Python-esque take on Shakespeare, An Evening With Shakes-Beer (and Whine).

What have you worked on recently that has you excited, either personally or professionally?

Seeing Canada’s only horse-drawn theatre caravan launched in The County (now in its third season) is something I, and the Théâtre Roulant company, are all very proud of.

Where in the County do you find the most creative inspiration?

Prince Edward County’s beaches in the off-season are inspiring. One feels as though you have one foot on the ground and one foot in the ether. I draw inspiration from the spirit of the inland seas.

What advice would you give to artists just starting out in their careers?

Believe in your powers.