Independent Fundraiser - Salt Water Moon
Written by David French
Written and performed by Helen Killorn and Justin Shaw
August 30-September 1, 2018
Fort McMurray heritage shipyard
About the show:
“It’s a splendid, moon-filled night at Coley’s Point in August, 1926. Eighteen-year old Jacob Mercer has returned from Toronto to the tiny Newfoundland outport, hoping to win back his former sweetheart, Mary Snow. But Mary has become engaged to wealthy Jerome McKenzie, and she is still hurt and bewildered by Jacob’s abrupt departure a year earlier. She will not be easily wooed.”
Theatre artists Helen Killorn and Justin Shaw were proud to present Salt-Water Moon by David French. This production was a fundraiser for Theatre; Just Because, and was presented in partnership with the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard.
Mary Snow: Helen Killorn
Jacob Mercer: Justin Shaw
Photography by Emma Grace Carter, Hanna Fridhed, Diana Moser
Salt-Water Moon lights up the YMM sky!
Under the canopy of the beautiful Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard, people gathered wrapped in blankets and coats, braving the autumn chill to experience the play Salt-Water Moon by David French. Created by Fort McMurray theatre artists Helen Killorn and Justin Shaw, the production was an independent fundraiser for Theatre; Just Because, whose vision is to empower artists to take ownership of their work. The show sold out two out of the three performances, with glowing reviews to follow. One audience member said “my heart is full and I am a better person having experienced it.”
Producing a play independently has its struggles and difficulties, but in the end, Justin and Helen wouldn’t trade the experience for anything:
“Honestly, this whole project has exceeded all of my expectations. I am blown away with the amount of love and support from the YMM community” says Helen Killorn. “I believe this is a step in the right direction for our theatre and arts community, and I am so excited to see where this journey takes us next!”
The show received a lot of community support through sponsors, followers and dedicated volunteers who believe in the artists, the vision and the goal.
“It’s been a privilege to build this show with such a dedicated team for such a wonderful community that is so invested in nurturing the arts” says Justin Shaw. “This process has been a dream from start to finish - perhaps the highlight of my professional career. My heart is truly humbled.”