The concluding chapters of the compelling Stehelin story, ‘Lights in the Forest’ will be played out on stage April 15-17 at the Marc Lescarbot Theatre at Université Sainte-Anne.
Director and playwright Hal Theriault said he had hoped for a late February performance but scheduling conflicts at the theatre did not allow for sufficient rehearsal time and only three of the four planned performances could be offered.
“In February, the university will still be in full swing and the availability for practice time could not be guaranteed,” he said. “Delaying the production until April will allow for full rehearsals and all four performances.”
Another challenge for the production is the weather which can disrupt a major event in February, he said.
“We were very fortunate to have good weather for our production last year but that can never be counted on and many expressed their relief when the April dates were announced,” Theriault said.
The second part of Theriault’s ‘Lights in the Forest’ is presented by the Weymouth Waterfront Development Committee and Sissiboo Landing and the committee was pleased with the new dates as they felt strongly about the play being performed at the university, Theriault added.
The incredible story of the Stehelin family and New France became intertwined with Weymouth’s and Clare’s rich history - Playwright Hal Theriault
“The incredible story of the Stehelin family and New France became intertwined with Weymouth’s and Clare’s rich history so it is logical to use the theatre in a community where part of this story unfolded.”
The second half of the play covers the important events in the lives of the Stehelins as they settle in and expand their new home in New France from 1895 until the final dispersal of the family after the First World War.
While the cast for the second part is basically the same, Theriault said there are some new characters and character replacements and with preparations for the play in the early stages he expressed satisfaction with their progress.
“It’s moving along the way it should and we are encouraged with the amount of public interest that continues to grow as many took advantage of the pre-Christmas ticket sales offered at Sissiboo Landing for the performance.”
Theriault says that the dates for ‘Lights in the Forest’ have been secured with exact performance times to follow.
