Bear River tragedy retold in ‘Annie Kempton’

‘Annie Kempton’ returned to Digby’s community theatre last Friday and Saturday and the play’s audiences were again left to determine if it was just circumstantial evidence that hung Peter Wheeler.

The play by Rupert Haley is based on a Bear River tragedy in January, 1896. The original performance of the play last October was so overwhelming that this second performance was scheduled.

Young Annie Kempton of Bear River was viciously murdered in her home while her mother and father were away. People in the area and throughout the province were outraged and demanded swift justice.

Evidence pointed to young Peter Wheeler, a farm hand and former sailor. He was brought to trial, found guilty and hanged in September of the same year.

More than 100 years later, there remains doubt that justice was done.

Among those attending Friday night’s performance were Sarah Abriel, Kempton’s great-great-niece and her parents, Gilda and Perry Abriel. Abriel’s mother was a Kempton before marriage and grew up in Smith’s Cove.

“My grandfather was Ernest Kempton, Annie’s brother,” said Gilda Abriel. “He was the second oldest child and was the only boy in the family.”

Abriel expressed disappointment at not being able to attend the play in October with her daughter.

“Sarah came to the first performance in October but we were unable to be here due to prior commitments,” said Abriel. “Sarah told us how wonderful the play was and we were not going to miss it this time.”

The Abriels brought a large photograph of Annie Kempton taken in the 1890s for display on Friday night.

Playwright Haley was delighted to have the photograph of Kempton at the performance.

“The picture of Annie is a treasured family heirloom and it is wonderful to have it on display for the audience to see what she actually looked like,” Haley said.

Digby student Ariel Van Tassell, who portrayed Annie in the play, met the Abriels and viewed Annie’s picture before the evening’s performance.

“It is an honor to play Annie,” said Van Tassell. “It’s a little uncanny to see Annie’s picture and hear people comment that I look a bit like her.”

Sarah Abriel felt the play was very well done and was happy that it was being performed again so her parents could be there.

“Both Rupert and the rest of the cast treated the subject matter fairly and presented it in an entertaining manner,” said the younger Abriel. “Our family is pleased to see the story being talked about and retold after 100 years.”