Heritage Colchester & Inspired Acting Lab returning with summer play

Actors Jackson Balint and Ocean Oliveira rehearse lines for the play “Salt-water Moon.”

A theatre production to benefit the historic Colchester Schoolhouse returns this weekend.

The Inspired Acting Lab from the University of Windsor and Heritage Colchester are teaming once again this year for a summer production, the proceeds from which will go towards schoolhouse restoration. This year’s show is “Salt-water Moon,” a play by David French and it opens this Thursday night inside of Christ Anglican Church in Colchester.

Director Lionel Walsh said it is a story of a young man named Jacob who returns to his hometown to win back his love interest that he left when he learns she is engaged to someone else.

“It takes place in Newfoundland in 1926 in a small community,” said Walsh.

Walsh said there is a lot of humour in the play, adding he connects with it as his parents are from Newfoundland.

“I adore this play,” he said. 

While struggling to find a play suitable for the Heritage Colchester production this year, Walsh remembered “Salt-water Moon” has not been staged there yet. It is a two-person play, with Jackson Balint and Ocean Oliveira returning as the actors.

“These two are perfect for the roles,” said Walsh.

Balint says he loves “the mystique of it all” and the fact the communication takes place on a set that will be a tiny porch.

“It’s beautiful,” said Balint.

Oliveira said she enjoys the heart that is shown in the play and believes both characters are relatable.

“I was driven by the beauty of it. The heart is what I keep coming back to,” she said.

They were in their third week of rehearsals last week. Walsh said it is an intimate venue where the audience is close to the actors and becomes part of the play.

“The audience helps shape the performance every night,” said Walsh. 

Heritage Colchester is a big help every time the Inspired Acting Lab comes out, he added, and that they appreciate it.

“They don’t take anything for granted,” he said. “It’s just a beautiful relationship.”

Oliveira and Balint say they enjoy performing in a small venue, with Balint saying he finds it “powerful” to be able to act in such an environment. Oliveira added she finds the community to be very supportive and friendly.

Balint is heading to Toronto soon where he is cast in a production there.

“We’re on the journey together,” Balint said of working with the audience.  “I know you are on the journey with me.”

Oliveira completed her second year at the University of Windsor and said she loves feeling close to the audience both metaphorically and physically.

“It feels really authentic,” she said.

There is generally a question and answer period with the audience after the play.

“I think there is something really important happening here for the community as well as for us,” added Walsh.

Walsh envisions continuing the partnership with Heritage Colchester, hoping to one day have acting workshops in the schoolhouse. 

“The only issue is we need to explore and find funding,” he said.

Balint added “it’s always a privilege to come here” and he is thankful for his time there.

“For me, this place shaped who I am,” he said. “It made me a better person and a better actor.”

“There’s so much love,” added Oliveira. 

Walsh said such plays are a “bridge to the profession” for his young actors.

The opening night Thursday as well as Friday and Saturday are at 7 p.m. and a 2 p.m. show Sunday. 

“Salt-water Moon” continues the following weekend with 7 p.m. shows July 10-12 and a 2 p.m. final show July 13.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors/students. Children 13 and under are $15.

For tickets and information, contact events.heritagecolchester@gmail.com or call 519-790-9022. Christ Anglican Church in Colchester is found at 190 Bagot St., across from the schoolhouse.

Heritage Colchester - Inspired Acting Lab returning with summer play

By Ron Giofu