Sacred Heart Crusaders bring Steven Truscott story to the stage

Crusader Productions at Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton, has taken on an ambitious project, to bring the real-life story of Steven Truscott to the stage.

Directed by Veronica Davidson, the show features 15 high school students playing a multitude of roles in Beverly Cooper's play, "Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott."

This fast-paced drama follows the true story of Truscott, a 14-year-old boy from Clinton, who was wrongly-accused and convicted of raping and murdering 12-year-old Lynne Harper.

The play is told from the perspective of a fictional schoolgirl, Sarah, and through her eyes, we see the real opinions and visions about the case that rocked Canada, and particularly Huron County, in 1959.

The story follows Truscott's fight for freedom from the time of his arrest and trial until his acquittal in 2007, and delves into the impact that a traumatic event, such as this, has on individuals and on a small community. It is a gripping, raw and thought-provoking show that is sure to leave audiences astounded.

The cast (also doing the work of the crew) includes:

• Dyllan Mooser of Tiverton as Steven Truscott/Sarah's son
• Ryan Young of Walkerton as Dan Truscott/Hayes/Old Steven Truscott/NCO/Gordan Logan/Lawyer
• Steven Travale of Kincardine as the Father/Rev. Bagnell/Dougie Oates/ Constable
• Logan Lamont of Walkerton as Mr. Harper/Dr. Penistan/Bob Lawson/Butch George
• Kyle Vaughan of Walkerton as the Judge/Graham/Oliver/Ken Truscott/Leger/Local man
• Marc Glipo of Kincardine as Juror's son/Hobbs/Boy/Jim
• Kathryn Low of Kincardine as a Woman/Maggie/Teacher
• Emily Rogers of Kincardine as Jocelyn Gaudet/Darlene/Richard Gellatly
• Lexi Curran of Teeswater as Lynne Harper/Stoner
• Brontae Hunter of Kincardine as Sarah
• Brooke Glasbergen of Walkerton as Doris Truscott
• Danielle Weber of Walkerton as the Mother/Registrar
• Christina Illman of Wingham as Trudy/Brown Owl/Nurse
• Nicole Strader of Walkerton as Isabel/Mrs. Harper/Woman from Base

Why would a group of high school students want to take on such a difficult play?

Steven says last year, the Crusaders did "Les Miserables." While this play is equally as dramatic, it has the added hook of being a true story from a local community.

Brontae says it's interesting playing the part of the fictional narrator who is the voice of the people of Clinton. "There isn't just one side to this case. Some believed Truscott guilty, others believed he was innocent."

In pursuit of authenticity, the actors spent April 17 visiting key locations depicted in the play, including the Goderich Gaol, the Goderich Courthouse where the trial took place, the bush where Lynne's body was found, and the bridge that Truscott and Lynne drove over that fateful night.

Some of the highlights of that visit included Dyllan being able to sit in the jail cell that Truscott inhabited, and the prisoner's box in the courtroom where the 14-year-old heard his death sentence proclaimed.

"It was quite an experience," says Dyllan. "The courthouse felt very intimidating. You're innocent but everyone is looking down on you as if you did it. The jail cell was small and it was cold even in the spring."

For Steven, the most impactful moment was standing in the very place where the girl's body was discovered. "I was overwhelmed by the thought that a little girl, so young and innocent, could have experienced such a tragic death. It also brought a whole new depth to the play for me with the realization that we have to bring the dual injustice to light in a powerful and moving manner."

Logan says it will be interesting to have some of the people who lived through the event, attend the play, including farmer Bob Lawson whom Logan plays in the show.

"It's harder to play real people," says Nicole. "This was a genuine and horrific event and these are real people who lived through it."

While the set is quite simple, further authenticity will be captured by using projected images from actual footage shot in the various locations of Goderich, Clinton and Vanastra.

"Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott" hits the stage at Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton, May 20 and runs to May 23, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the production beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $15 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the high school main office and Marlin Travel in Walkerton. They can also be purchased at the door. Seating is limited and numbered, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. For further information, contact the school at 519-881-1900.