Play revisits historic Bear River murder

The play, written and directed by Rupert Haley, is based on the historic story of the murder of young Annie Kempton in Bear River in 1896. Peter Wheeler, a foreign sailor who lived in Bear River, was hanged for the crime in Digby later that year, reputedly the last hanging in Digby.

The question of Wheeler’s guilt was widely debated at the time, a debate resurrected by the first presentation of the play last fall. The audience plays the jury during the show and viewers are challenged to decide Wheeler’s innocence or guilt.

In a news release, Haley says the play was written to raise the question but does not make a strong case either way.

He said the play does suggest that guilt was not proven conclusively by either the evidence presented in court, or by Wheeler’s ‘confession’ while awaiting his hanging.

The production stars Ariel Van Tassell as Annie Kempton and Donald Carter as Peter Wheeler. They are supported by a cast of 28 other local actresses and actors, ranging in real ages from 11 to more than 70.

Judge Charles Haliburton, in real life a justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, plays the defence lawyer. Pastor Jason McCutcheon of the Digby Wesleyan Church handles the prosecution.

The crew is working hard to streamline scene changes, in part by constructing a second stove for the scenes. Haley said the coming presentations will be the last locally of ‘Annie Kempton’.

Digby Community Theatre is in Digby Regional High School.