PROGRESS REPORTS

Periodic shots from Pepe's Bayview studio!

Early August : nearly complete.

Built on a flatbed trailer, this 35' giant musical instrument interweaves elements of a Spanish galleon and a mythical aquatic creature, incorporating in its design a neo-gamelan set, a large battery of alternative percussion and playable rigging.

Equipped with a concealed sound system, this vessel has been designed to host musicians over the Captain's cabin, while offering a large space for dancers, fire performers and singers on the main deck.

Four ladders up the masts, and cross-cables between them, makes the rigging an inviting field for aerialists and adventurous participants.

The Ark can be put in motion by a motorized vehicle for daily tours, or pulled by about 50 people for special occasions, such as leading a large parade towards the burning of the Man or any other event.

VOYAGES

The Ark will make periodic voyages around the playa. Each Voyage will have a Captain, responsible for aesthetic mix, itinerary, and bringing the ship back to port in a timely manner.

Some voyages will focus on the Arkestra, featuring Balinese kejak and the mystical compositions of Kappelmeister Eric Oberthaler. Some afternoons perhaps Captain Wu will take the Ark out on a roving Missionary Expedition of the Hua Shan School of Teddy Bear Kung Fu Mayhem.

Papa Wu leads morning Tai Chi and sporadic appearances of the Hua Shan Bear Clan

Arjuna, here pictured with his Tibetan horn, leads daily classes in throat singing

The throat-singing Tribe of Frogs will return this year, as will various of us talented in medieval chant, marimba, and thumb piano.

Fish Tales/Grunion Spawn Arkipelago Camp will again be the base camp for Annie Hallatt, who will be building "Fish Tales: A Place Where Grunion Spawn." It will be located on the right side of the main way between center camp and the Man, on the right-hand side. Everyone is invited to join the High Tide Fish Spawning School. Give yourself a fish name: for example "AngelFish", or "FlounderMan." Then gather a fish-like costume with appropriate colors and textures to your chosen species. This can be a slinky gown from a thrift shop or a bit of fish net with bangles and some flashy fabric for the under arms which become fins or various torn strips of fabric. Interested in helping? Contact Annie.

Dancin Phul's costume from last year's procession would be perferct for the High Tide Fish Spawning School.

In several communal structures in Opera Arkipelago Camp we will practice and perfect plans for Ark voyages. Each voyage of the Ark will comprise a floating mix of available talent and inspiration.

How will *you* use the Ark?