Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
37
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a Canadian theatre company that have been touring contemporary professional theatre for 53 years that has toured internationally with large spectacle performances staged on the deck and in the rigging of a 30 meter tall ship. This theatre ship has closed its doors.
Now we will produce original shows on a 16 meter sailboat. These performances will include renegade animated film tales projected within a Lanterna Magica Globe rigged between the two masts of the ship, with an aerial artist suspended over the fore deck and musicians playing an original score from the aft cockpit deck. The show's thematic content is primarily environmental and anti-war with an emphasis on historical and fantasy characters interacting in a surreal time zone, dealing with their survival in a world gone mad with digital addiction, global violence, racial and gender subjugation, whilst dreaming of a new egalitarian society, that could/would be engaged in communally directed governance.
Workaway helpers will be welcome to stay on the boat in Martigues , in southern France, close to Marseille to assist with the build of the first show that will premiere late May , 2025. Productions start mid April in Martigues.
The work includes:
Help build a large projection globe out of stainless steel tube and fabric
Sewing the screen for the globe that will be projected on
Installing a diesel stove
Various other mechanical and wood work and boat maintenance
Provisioning and cooking for a crew of 8 people
Making a costume for the aerial artist in the show
The project strives to foster a climate of purposeful inclusion of all people. We value the diversity of ethnic and cultural identity and background, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity and its expression. We foster a climate of purposeful inclusion, an environment where all can feel safe, valued, cared for, and given an opportunity to form meaningful connections with each other.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Culture
Writing
Performing arts
Music
Books
Art & design
Cycling
Nature
Sailing / Boating
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They will be a part of a unique experience to create and build a new show that will sail in the Mediterranean.
Help
PROFILE REQUIRED :
Must be versatile with a good sense of humour.
If interested in video editing, must have previous experience and bring their own laptop.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
A bunk in the fore cabin on the boat
What else ...
Maritigues is a small town 45 km from Marseilles, easily accessed by bus from the airport and the city of Marseilles
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is parking available close to the marina where the boat is tied up.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 23838441254d
Feedback (24)
31 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Max) for host
Dear Nans, dear Paul, thank you a lot for this exciting, intetesting and also challenging time I had at your place! It was a pleasure working with you together and even more to listen to your stories about your theatre company and your rebellious youth. I think you created something really unique and wonderful. Even when your ship was a little bit… read more
16 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (CQ (Cheng Qing)) for host
I was onboard the boat during an off season period in November 2021. Despite not needing much help during that period, Nans and Paul graciously offered me a place to stay for 1 week. My time was spend on helping out with editing website and diagnosing electrical wirings issue on the boat.
My plan was to stay longer and help out with upcoming… read more
My plan was to stay longer and help out with upcoming… read more
25 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Thank you Nans and Paul and everyone that I met on the ship! It has been a really special two-week long workaway experience for me. I felt happy and peaceful there, had some wonderful conversations and learnt new things.Thank you for your kindness and patience with me, and putting up with me for saying sorry way too much :) I had lot of fun… read more
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Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
31 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Max) for host
Dear Nans, dear Paul, thank you a lot for this exciting, intetesting and also challenging time I had at your place! It was a pleasure working with you together and even more to listen to your stories about your theatre company and your rebellious youth. I think you created something really unique and wonderful. Even when your ship was a little bit… read more
16 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (CQ (Cheng Qing)) for host
I was onboard the boat during an off season period in November 2021. Despite not needing much help during that period, Nans and Paul graciously offered me a place to stay for 1 week. My time was spend on helping out with editing website and diagnosing electrical wirings issue on the boat.
My plan was to stay longer and help out with upcoming… read more
My plan was to stay longer and help out with upcoming… read more
25 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Thank you Nans and Paul and everyone that I met on the ship! It has been a really special two-week long workaway experience for me. I felt happy and peaceful there, had some wonderful conversations and learnt new things.Thank you for your kindness and patience with me, and putting up with me for saying sorry way too much :) I had lot of fun… read more
28 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Tautvydas) for host
Volunteering for the Company was a great experience which I will remember for a long time! It has given me the chance to experience what it means to live on a boat, meet amazing warm and welcoming people from various places and countries and to hear some amazing stories from Nans and Paul about their travels and performances all over the world.… read more
10 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
A dreamy summer spent here. I met so many interesting people and got to live on the ship during all the repair work - tried my hand at quite a few things! Sanding, grinding, painting etc. A lot of cooking and baking :) Paul and Nans and the rest of the crew were wonderful, now I just hope I can come back one day to see a show and see the place… read more
16 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna)
Hanna is a lovely person whom we enjoyed having on board the ship. She stayed with us during the Covid lockdown and she was the best addition to our crew. Hanna is thoughtful, kind and works hard, and, she likes to make bread and bake sweet things. Come back any time, Hanna!
(Excellent)
16 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Bob & Joan) for host
Jojo and I had a terrific experience with Paul and Nan’s working on this incredible ship. We were hoping to join up with them again but unfortunately Covid got in the way, stay safe folks
15 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Oliver) for host
Firstly I'd like to thank Paul and Nans for accommodating me for an extra month or so longer than initially planned. They were very understanding about the difficulties around being new to Canada during a pandemic, and provided an excellent place to stay isolated and yet also occupied in strange times.
There are a lot of great things - most of… read more
There are a lot of great things - most of… read more
29 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
Thank’s a lot for these three months spent here, it was really nice to have the opportunity to participate to such an interesting project with amazing people ! I learned a lot about boat repair and did many different things, you can never get bored. Although the show is not gonna happen this year the work on the production is still going, so you… read more
23 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)
Thomas was a fantastic guest, volunteer and eager participant with all the activities on the ship. He is a talented illustrator/artist and is skilled at everything we asked him to work on, with great attention to detail.
Thomas is an excellent cook and was a great support to us. We hope to see him again.
Thank you Thomas for all your hard work.
Thomas is an excellent cook and was a great support to us. We hope to see him again.
Thank you Thomas for all your hard work.
(Excellent)
26 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Aurélie)
Aurélie is an enthusiastic , hard working and participatory guest. No jobs are too large or impossible for Aurélie .
She fit in with the group on board really well, had lots of stories to tell and enjoyed the all around environment, on the ship, the boatyard and beyond.
We wish her the very best and hope to see her at the launch and at the shows… read more
She fit in with the group on board really well, had lots of stories to tell and enjoyed the all around environment, on the ship, the boatyard and beyond.
We wish her the very best and hope to see her at the launch and at the shows… read more
(Excellent)
26 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Aurélie) for host
Hello there!
I'm so grateful and happy I've got to stay with Paul and Nans but also all the workawayers on the boat for almost 2 months (April/May). This was a last minute decision because of everything that went down with covid, but I've got to spend those months learning skills, helping around, cooking, baking bread, taking pictures of the… read more
I'm so grateful and happy I've got to stay with Paul and Nans but also all the workawayers on the boat for almost 2 months (April/May). This was a last minute decision because of everything that went down with covid, but I've got to spend those months learning skills, helping around, cooking, baking bread, taking pictures of the… read more
18 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Carlos) for host
TRUST ME! This guys, their energy and the people their atract is just AWESOME! you will be hosted by people that will care for you, give you work according to what its describes and you will feel that they actually doesnt work, they DO ART even if its about doing maintenance to the Theater-Boat! Honestly for being my 2nd WA experience, i was so… read more
30 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Chuy11_11) for host
Paul & Nans!! they were my family during almost 6 months on the boat, we live different and good experiences, I learn a lot and i spend so much good memories on the boat, thank you guys for all your love, support and laughs, I hope that we meet again someday!! Love you!!
16 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
Well... it's really hard to explain how my stay on the boat was awesome. I spent two weeks with this family including Christmas and... I felt like at home. Paul and Adriana are a very beautiful couple with a incredible story and futures awesome projects. The life on the boat was very warm. We exchanged a lot of meals and discussions about… read more
12 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Damien)
Damien volunteered and stayed with us on our ship for 3 months. During that time he was always available to do whatever task was needed to get the ship restored. That included sanding, oiling, sawing, fastening, painting as well as the household chores such as cooking and cleaning. He took care and completed all that he tackled, and, he's a good… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Damien) for host
I was a volunteer on the boat during 3 months.
I learned so many things about the work on the ship.
i painted, i oiled, i cleaned, i cooked, i learned to make sailor knots and i worked with the wood. i met a lot of people, i find here lot of friends ans a family.
Nans and Paul i would like to tell you thank you to hosted me and to gave me the… read more
I learned so many things about the work on the ship.
i painted, i oiled, i cleaned, i cooked, i learned to make sailor knots and i worked with the wood. i met a lot of people, i find here lot of friends ans a family.
Nans and Paul i would like to tell you thank you to hosted me and to gave me the… read more
6 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Hollie)
Everyone on board thoroughly enjoyed having Hollie in the boat refitting crew. She's a keen participant, anxious to learn new skills. A hard worker, she has a good attention to detail and completed all the jobs we asked her to work on. We hope to see Hollie back on board .
(Excellent)
6 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Hollie) for host
well where do i start? my time on the boat was amazing !
This was my first workaday experience, i stayed of 3 weeks and i had the most wonderful time . The boat was so cozy and homely , it's a place where everyone is welcomed and accepted. The hosts Nans and Paul were wonderful, they were down to earth and really cared for everyone in the project.… read more
This was my first workaday experience, i stayed of 3 weeks and i had the most wonderful time . The boat was so cozy and homely , it's a place where everyone is welcomed and accepted. The hosts Nans and Paul were wonderful, they were down to earth and really cared for everyone in the project.… read more
6 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Luciano & Daniela)
Luciano and Daniela are a great couple, their contribution was enthusiastic and the meals they prepared were delicious. We enjoyed their company.
(Excellent)
13 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Corentin) for host
I stayed 2 weeks on the ship and it was amazing ! During 2 weeks, I helped to painting, sanding, grinding and cleaning on the ship. With the working crew, I learnt a lot about wood work, ship maintenance and sailor's knot ( Thank you Marc). Nans and Paul are wonderful hosts, they take care of you and they have many good stories.
Thank you for… read more
Thank you for… read more
29 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lauriane) for host
Thank you so much Nans and Paul! These 3 weeks on the ship went fast and intense! Such an opportunity to live on this beautiful ship, with 2 kind and open minded person. You get involved in different tasks in and around the boat to repair it, you get to meet many people between the other volonteers and the daily (awesome!) workers. I would happily… read more
28 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauriane)
Lauriane volunteered with us for a month and we really enjoyed her company. She is enthusiastic, a strong support person, works hard, takes initiative, has a great sense of humour. She did not balk at any job we asked her to work on, however difficult. We were sad to see her go but she is welcome to come back anytime.
We strongly recommend her as… read more
We strongly recommend her as… read more
(Excellent)
27 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (aristefani25) for host
My experience on this project was unique.
I’ve been on the ship for a month and a half and I got there as a workawayer, ready to help and learn about fundraising, social media management and content creation during the refit of the ship.
I was sorrounded by hard-working and cheerful carpenters and workawayers. And since the first day I was asked… read more
I’ve been on the ship for a month and a half and I got there as a workawayer, ready to help and learn about fundraising, social media management and content creation during the refit of the ship.
I was sorrounded by hard-working and cheerful carpenters and workawayers. And since the first day I was asked… read more
23 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (KajaGermany)
Kaja was a fantastic guest. Interesting, easy going and delightful, she fit right in with the others on board the ship. We gave her the task to complete a sign that had to go to the printer and she did a masterful job while teaching us some new tricks on the computer. She initiates jobs, doesn't wait to be asked and completes them. Come back… read more
(Excellent)
22 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (KajaGermany) for host
The two weeks I spent with Nans, Paul and the rest of the working crew in May have been a unique and great experience for me! You’ll meet kind people, have the possibility to learn a lot about fundraising, wood work and living an alternative life, while you stay at their beautiful home in a cozy ship cabin (despite the industrial surrounding at… read more
26 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)
Miriam was a wonderful guest and super helpful. She attacked her tasks with enthusiasm and gusto. She's a great cook and is a delight to work with. We truly enjoyed having Miriam stay with us and look forward to seeing her again before she returns home.
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host
Where to start...
I'm not sure any description will ever do justice to an experience aboard, the spirit of Paul and Nans, and the objectif of the company.
There's no way you'll be ready; brace yourself for it : the adventure you're about to live is one of a kind, and it will change you forever.
Everyone is part of a bigger project than… read more
I'm not sure any description will ever do justice to an experience aboard, the spirit of Paul and Nans, and the objectif of the company.
There's no way you'll be ready; brace yourself for it : the adventure you're about to live is one of a kind, and it will change you forever.
Everyone is part of a bigger project than… read more
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Madeleine)
Mad is, far and away, one of the hardest-working individuals we have ever had the pleasure of bringing aboard the boat. Her work ethic is absolutely inspiring; not only is she a self-motivator, she is a one-woman creative powerhouse who never ceases contributing, both behind-the-scenes of production and within our roving thespian community. She… read more
(Excellent)
6 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jana) for host
I stayed with this lovely crew at the end of February. I'd love to come back and help out sometime in the future and really get to know everyone a lot more! There were always so many people buzzing around it was hard to hang out with everyone during my (way too short) week there but I did meet some pretty amazing humans :)
The ship was in… read more
The ship was in… read more
13 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Myriam-A.)
We so enjoyed having Myriam on board with us. Her meals she prepared were healthy and delicious. Myriam is a great sport, she participated with all the group activities. She's was a positive addition to the team work on the ship. We wish her smooth sailing and success in her travels and hope to work with her again in the near future. Bonne chance… read more
(Excellent)
13 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Myriam-A.) for host
My time on the boat was truly exceptional. Paul and Naans are amazing human being and I am so glad i got to contribute for a bit to that beautifull artistic project. Living on the boat was great, its feels really cozy and homy. Everybody I met there was interesting and caring of one another. I feel blessed I could experience that I really hope I… read more
16 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Noah) for host
Volunteering on the ship and being part of such an incredible project was a truly magical experience. Paul and Nans are kind and open-minded hosts, and their vision is inspiring. I learned a lot while I was here, about knots, navigation, ship maintenance, and even cooking. I was welcomed to an amazing group of crew and had many memorable… read more
25 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Rose-Anne & Edward)
We had great fun with Rosy. She was helpful around the ship, helped out with the administration, did research and always available when some physical work was needed. She loves to cook and is a Fantastic Baker, made some very yummy cakes and cookies! Rosy is kind and thoughtful and brought interesting people by. She became a good friend and I'm… read more
(Excellent)
25 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Rose-Anne & Edward) for host
I had a brilliant 3 months wintering here. in Brooklyn in 2015 - Paul and Nans are great to live with and volunteer for, and I also got to meet many of their friends, and made some of them my friends too. The tall ship theatre is a beautiful vessel and it was a real treat to stay there. The help is varied so can range from light to fairly tough -… read more
9 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Caterina)
We enjoyed having Caterina as a workaway on our boat. She is friendly and a good worker. She adapts quickly and takes initiative with work that needs doing. We would definitely host her again.
(Excellent)
5 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Caterina) for host
I loved my time on the boat!
Nans and Paul are kind and loving, and there is always someone on the boat.
The boat itself is cosy, warm and welcoming. I enjoyed the simple life and the company, and this was a time I will surely remember with pleasure.
I think that it's best to plan to spend more than just a month on the boat (as I did) because it… read more
Nans and Paul are kind and loving, and there is always someone on the boat.
The boat itself is cosy, warm and welcoming. I enjoyed the simple life and the company, and this was a time I will surely remember with pleasure.
I think that it's best to plan to spend more than just a month on the boat (as I did) because it… read more
