Show honours political pioneers
‘To the Power of Five: 1993 P.E.I. Women in Politics’ celebration at Harbourfront Theatre
Prince Edward Island made history in 1993 with five female politicians holding the primary positions of power in government. It had never happened before and has never happened since – in Island or Canadian history.
Following the general election of 1993, Catherine Callbeck was serving as the first female premier of Prince Edward Island, with Pat Mella as leader of the Opposition. Nancy Guptill was chosen as Speaker of the House, with Elizabeth Hubley as Deputy Speaker. Marion Reid was serving as lieutenant-governor of the province.
To celebrate P.E.I.’s Famous Five’s 25th anniversary, Wyatt Heritage Properties Inc., the City of Summerside and the P.E.I. Interministerial Women’s Secretariat will present “To the Power of Five: 1993 Women in Politics”, on Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside.
The stage performance, directed by Sherri-Lee Pike, will tell through word and song the stories of the five women as they journeyed their life paths.
The stories have been written by Marlene Campbell of Culture Summerside following interviews with each of the women. The songs of Island female singer -songwriters, under music directors Perry Neatby and Christine Schulz, along with a women’s choir, will complete the stories.
Catherine O’Brien, Sandra Sheridan, Laura Bird, Catherine Dickson and Jocelyne Bordeaux are excited to take on the roles of the five women who have powerfully influenced not only Island politics but the lives of individual women.
The desire for Summerside to join in with the provincial celebrations paying tribute to these women was brought to the table by Summerside Coun. Norma McColeman, who was mentored and inspired by the Famous Five throughout her political career.
“These five women are a true inspiration for all people, but in particular for women. I especially want younger women to know of and be inspired by P.E.I.’s Famous Five and realize they, too, have a place on the political platform. Women are 51 per cent of the population and are badly underrepresented in government and its policies. We must continually encourage younger women to follow in the political footsteps of women who have come before, and bring their voices, and skills to the political table.”
Tickets are complimentary and can be obtained through the Harbourfront Theatre box office, the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, Summerside, or by calling 902-432-1332. The show will be immediately followed by a reception in the adjoining Eptek Art and Culture Centre, where people will have the opportunity to meet and chat with P.E.I.’s Famous Five.