Barka, A Girovago Production

Step aboard a vibrant journey where circus, dance, and live music collide. From the creators of Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra, BARKA is described as an extraordinary festive chaos — a celebration of life, resilience, and shared hope.

Set to pulsing Afro-Colombian percussion and soaring Balkan brass, BARKA transforms the stage into a metaphorical boat, where explorers, migrants, and survivors travel together through storms and celebrations. Acrobats soar, dancers move with joyful intensity, and musicians drive infectious rhythms, weaving a story of unity, freedom, and the enduring human spirit.

This 75-minute spectacle, directed by Patrick Léonard (7 Doigts de la Main) and Ricard Soler Mallol, immerses audiences in colour, sound, and movement. Called “fusion forward” and “a cause for celebration” by the Montreal press, BARKA is both a party and a parable — reminding us that we’re all in the same boat, and that together, we can keep it afloat.

About Pay What You Want
Continuing our priority to make Grand OnStage performances more accessible to all, we offer a Pay What You Want program for select unique performances. Simply reserve your free ticket, attend the show, and consider making a voluntary payment after the performance that reflects your experience.

We encourage you to experience and be inspired by these productions, and we hope by removing this financial barrier they can be enjoyed by all.

Join us for more! Immediately following the performance, local artist Jan LeClair will host a “Talkback” with the company, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the performance.  

Jan LeClair began studying accordion at age 5, adding piano to her studies at age 7, but was encouraged to focus solely on piano full time at 13. Rebirthing the accordion several decades later, Jan hasn't looked back. "I pulled that gorgeous vintage beauty out of its velvet case, and in short order I was playing in a Klezmer country swing band." 

Based in Kingston, Ontario and hailing originally from Southeastern Ontario, Jan has been a performance musician for much of her life. While most of her performance experience has been in duos, trios, and larger bands, her more recent work has been solo. An experienced festival player, highlights include the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Summerfolk (Owen Sound), Folk on the Rocks (Yellowknife), Alianait (Iqualuit), Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Festival Chants de Vielles, and Kingston's own Skeleton Park Music Festival. Jan is a frequent collaborator with other musicians, choral groups, and theatrical productions. 

Jan’s solo accordion work has deep traditional roots. Drawing primarily from England, northern Europe, eastern Europe, France, and Italy, you will also hear cross over stylings from classical and jazz realms. Deeply personal, often dreamy, and highly emotive soundscapes, most pieces begin with a story. Bathed in sound, listeners are drawn to create their own images. Jan performs on a Pigini Preludio 72 bass and a vintage 120 bass Titano. 

To listen to some of Jan's solo and group work, visit Jan's Music page. To learn about Jan's current collaborations, visit Chanter La Pomme. 

Jan was a Kingston Grand Theatre Local Artist-in-Residence in 2022.