Spirited Conversations Play Reading

Dr. Kathleen MacMillan, a retired Professor of Nursing, author, and former Board member of the Macphail Foundation, has written a one act play, entitled Spirited Conversations. Set on the Macphail Homestead, the play presents an imagined dialogue between the ghosts of three women: Georgina (Burland) Macphail; Lucy Maud Montgomery; and Margaret MacMillan. 

The play explores how women’s lives in Canada changed from the late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century, focusing on the impact of class, education, careers, childcare, and marital relationships in defining their roles. These changes are examined through the lives and experiences of three women—each connected to Prince Edward Island and Canadian literature—who never met in real life.

Georgina Macphail (1869-1902) was married to Sir Andrew. She died young leaving two small children. The daughter of a wealthy Montreal businessman, her short life was circumscribed by fixed expectations for upper middle-class women of the 19th century with firm ideas about women’s roles and acceptable social behaviour.

Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942), the famous writer of Anne of Green Gables displays an air of sadness and regret. She is proud of her literary accomplishments and fame as an author. She strides the 19th and 20th century roles for women and, as such, was challenged and often resentful as she tried to balance ambition and cultural expectations for a woman of her time.

Margaret MacMillan (1889-1974) was born in the USA and married to an Islander. She came of age in the early days of a new era and had many opportunities and advantages that helped develop her self-confidence and independence. 

These three women have an imagined conversation through a fictional contemporary woman who makes her living hosting seances. The setting is a tea party attended by these women and highlights the influence the times have had on women.

The play will be performed/read by the actors in the Great Room of the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead on August 6 and 13 at 1 pm. The reading will be followed by tea and sweets. Reservations can be made online at macphailhomestead.ca or by calling 902-651-2789.