Heritage Colchester and the Inspired Acting Lab are teaming once again to benefit the restoration of the historic Colchester Schoolhouse.
The Inspired Acting Lab, which is affiliated with the University of Windsor, is presenting “Mary’s Wedding,” a play originally written by playwright, screenwriter and actor Stephen Massicotte. It is being presented at Christ Church Anglican in Colchester this weekend and next.
Director Lionel Walsh, from the Inspired Acting Lab, said it is a Canadian play that is based in Alberta during 1914-20, with World War I figuring into the story.
“It’s a story of love, loss and hope,” said Walsh. “The characters jump over time and place. It’s exciting to watch. The characters are really able to transform over time.”
The 90-minute show features only two actors – Jackson R.R. Balint and Ocean Oliveira – with Balint playing Charles “Charlie” Edwards while Oliveira plays the characters Mary Chalmers and Flowers.
“We don’t leave the stage ever,” said Balint. “We are go, go, go. It’s intense.”
Balint said “Mary’s Wedding” is “a beautiful story of two people torn apart by the brutality of war” and that “love does endure.”
“It’s a really beautiful message” added Oliveira. “The play is so beautifully written. It’s very enthralling. It’s very captivating.”
Walsh called the play “a tour de force for two actors” and the audience is “left with the beauty” of what the play is trying to get across.
Rehearsals have been taking place at Christ Church Anglican in Colchester, and Balint said they are getting better and will be ready by showtime.
“Every day, we are making huge strides,” said Balint. “It’s invigorating to see what we can do in such little time.”
Balint said he has been acting for over ten years, which he said “is more than half of my life.” He is a recent University of Windsor graduate.
“It’s what I want to do. It’s what I have to do,” he said, of acting. “The stage became home. I must answer the call.”
Oliveira added she has been acting since the age of five, when she was cast as “Tinkerbell” and had people whispering lines in her ear. Now entering her third year at the University of Windsor, she said she has become more eager to stay on the stage.
“I developed my passion,” she said.
Balint added they want to pay tribute to the University Players, a program that the school cut after 65 years.
Both Oliveira and Balint say they enjoy the intimate atmosphere at Christ Church Anglican as the audiences in Colchester are close to the stage and they can enjoy speaking with the actors after the show. Walsh added Heritage Colchester is great to work with and that they want to continue the relationship over the long term.
Proceeds from the show benefit the schoolhouse’s restoration. The church is at 190 Bagot St. in Colchester with the schoolhouse across the road.
Shows run July 18-20 at 7 p.m., July 21 at 2 p.m., July 25-27 at 7 p.m. and July 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors and students.
For tickets and information, e-mail events.heritagecolchester@gmail.com or call Cindy at 519-790-9022.
Heritage Colchester, Inspired Acting Lab teaming up for another theatre production
By Ron Giofu
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