Lost Heroes of Oro: A Musical Journey Through Black Canadian History centred around a Local African Church

In celebration of Black History Month in Canada, Barrie and Simcoe County are hosting a range of events to honour the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community. Among these is the play "Lost Heroes of Oro," set to take the stage at the Georgian Theatre in Barrie on February 23 and 24. 

Deepak Bidwai, LJI reporter for Simcoe Community Media spoke with Alinka Angelova, writer and director of the play, to delve into the story of a Black Canadian hero, the Underground Railroad, a daring escape from slavery, and the construction of a church—all centered around the historical Oro Methodist Episcopal Church, built in the Simcoe area.

Angelova's journey to creating "Lost Heroes of Oro" began with a personal revelation about the church's significance, spurred by her husband's insights into its role as the final stop for Black slaves escaping via the Underground Railroad. 

Opting for a musical format, Angelova aims to captivate audiences of all ages, believing that integrating music, song, and dance can transform history from mundane to mesmerizing. 

“We tried to take history and document history through music, song and dance, because we wanted to make it appealing for for teens, for children and for adults,” she said. 

Choosing actors for the play was a blend of luck and careful planning. Angelova used her instincts as a director to pick a team that could really bring the characters from history to life. She put the play together quickly but with a lot of effort, writing the script in just two weeks. Even though the pandemic caused some delays at first, "Lost Heroes of Oro" is now ready. 

Angelova's work is not just a theatrical production but an educational tool, providing both newcomers to Canada and long-time residents with a deeper understanding of their shared history and the potential to create their own stories. Tickets for the play are available online at Ticker Pro with shows scheduled for February 23 and 24, including a matinee and evening performances.

"Yes, we talk about the dark times, yes, we talk about the struggles that we had back in history. However, you will leave the theater feeling loved, you'll leave the theater feeling inspired and motivated," she said.