When Elena married Dr. James Wagner, she moved from D’Urville Island to Picton. She became stepmother to Barbara and Hilary. However, the marriage has become increasingly problematic. Elena has a difficult relationship with her stepdaughters, and she and James are haunted by the death of their infant son. In December 1968, old friends and newcomers arrive in Picton and secrets from Elena’s past are revealed, in particular, her engagement to a mysterious American sailor seven years previously. James’ fears for Elena’s mental health reach a crisis point. Can she escape the hold her past has over her? Can James and Elena’s marriage be a truly free relationship?
Based on Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea, the play explores notions of freedom and responsibility between men and women on the cusp of the counterculture revolution of the 60s and 70s.