Biographical Information: Calamity Anna

Calamity Anna grew up on a cinnamon plantation in Sri Lanka after the War. With only a small suitcase and the clothes on her back, she set off to London to make her fortunes in the fast evolving world of car racing. Though London was by no means an epicenter of traditional high performance car racing, Anna quickly found herself in the upper echelons on the sport, and often spent weekends cavorting on yachts off the coast of France with dignitaries, businessmen, actresses and politicos. Because of her high profile position, Anna was subsequently recruited into the KGB, and for years was a Communist spy. Her work with the KGB took her all over the world, notably to the Andes mountains, where she recruited indigenous Americans to the Communist cause. Disillusioned and tired after years of secret service, Anna retired from the KGB by faking her own death shortly after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Anna then bought a VW van, replaced the seats with cushions and blankets, a few clip lights, and a projector, and drove around the country making theater in parks, backyards and vacant lots. She amassed a devoted following, and eventually founded what would come to be known as the Nomadic School of acting and theater technique, influenced in equal parts by The Gilmore Girls, Anne Bogart and Modigliani. She currently resides in maritime South Haven, but keeps a home in New York City, where she is a part time venture capitalist and full time exotic dancer.