‘A New Hope’ leads from the past to the present

In keeping with the theme of ‘Digby—Where the past meets the future’, Theriault’s play brought to life the story of the community’s past and its impact on the future.

This Loyalist production told of the first boat loads of United Empire Loyalists who arrived on the shores of the Annapolis Basin in 1783 to begin a new life in Nova Scotia.

The central characters were fictional, but their challenges, tragedies, joys and hopes were based on real experiences of the early Loyalists. Other characters were based on actual people from Digby’s past.

Susan Shenstone of Smith’s Cove, author of the book ‘So Obstinately Loyal—James Moody’, said the play allowed the audience to see an important period in Nova Scotia history.

“It was a difficult time in our history,” said Shenstone. “The skillful weaving of humor throughout the play lightened the story and it was lots of fun to watch.”

Matthew and Joy Henshaw who portrayed Joseph and Elizabeth Young said their characters were made for them.

When they read the script, the Henshaws realized they knew the Youngs ‘were them’ and they had to portray them Loyalist couple.

Writer and director Hal Theriault said the play was a huge community effort that required commitment on everyone’s part.

“The success of a community depends on the people working together,” said Theriault. “It happened 225 years ago and we saw it happen with this play.”

Theriault has plans for a Christmas production as well as a 2009 play based on the Stehelin family of New France.