What follows is a Q&A Interview with Brian Speagle, Director of Memoir playing at the Manor Park Memorial Hall from April 29 to May 3. The Interview was conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher & Content Manager, Richard Young.
(Pictured: Director Brian Speagle with Charlene McNabb and Dan Curtis.)
Q. Tell me about Memoir – backstory, author, performance history, etc.?
Memoir is set in the summer of 1922. It will prove to be Sarah Bernhardt’s last. The action of the play takes place at her island estate off the coast of Brittany, France. Sarah, with her secretary and assistant Georges Pitou, is doing her best to remember events from her life to be included in volume two of her memoirs. Sarah Bernhardt dominated the world of theatre for most of her life, in France, all of Europe, and North and South America. The Divine Sarah achieved worldwide fame in the 19th century, which was unprecedented. Sarah Bernhardt was known as much for her personal life, which today would have been tabloid and internet fodder, as for her multitude of on-stage personas.
Canadian playwright, the late John Murrell, premiered Memoir at the Guelph Spring Festival in 1977. It has since been presented in the UK, Ireland, Japan, and the U.S. It enjoyed a two-year run at the Theatre Edouard VII in Paris. The play has also been adapted for TV and film in Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Q. What prompted you to select Memoir for your 2026 season?
I first came in contact with this play in 1978, when I was in a scene study class at university. I played ‘Pitou’ in a few scenes! I also used Memoir in my teaching career with senior drama students. After forty-five years, I decided it was time to direct this show.
Q. Could you provide a brief Plot Synopsis
Sarah Bernhardt is trying to write volume two of her memoirs. She enlists Pitou to play characters from her past, to jog her memory. At first reluctant, Pitou eventually begins to revel in his roles. As the play proceeds, however, many of her memories become painful and traumatic for her. In the end, Sarah comes to accept her life decisions, and the play ends on an optimistic note.
(Pictured: Sarah Bernhardt.)
Q. It’s my understanding that Sarah Bernhardt performed in London. How, if at all, does this play into the show?
Sarah’s appearances at the Grand Opera House in London, Ontario, do not play directly into the show. However, she may have worked closely with a local stagehand or two! You’ll have to see the show to find out!
Q. Two-character plays can sometimes present significant challenges to the actors. Comment?
The text of Memoir presents a major challenge for actors. The ‘Sarah’ character is on stage for the entirety of the action. It is physically and emotionally demanding for both actors.
Q. Could you say a few words about your actors – Charlene McNabb and Dan Curtis?
I first presented Charlene and Dan with this script in 2019! We were hoping to produce it in 2020. Well, we know how that turned out! After seven years, we are all quite enthused to finally stage Memoir for London audiences. Throughout the rehearsal process, Charlene has been totally committed to faithfully developing ‘Sarah!’ She has done extensive research into the amazing life of her character, and that background dedication shows in her portrayal. Dan Curtis takes on the demanding role of ‘Pitou’ with aplomb, as he does with every character I’ve seen him portray. He plays several characters within the character of ‘Pitou,’ sometimes switching back and forth within the same sentence. Quite amazing to witness. Charlene and Dan are both experienced actors, and their professionalism is first-rate.
Q. Why did you choose Manor Park Memorial Hall for this run?
Manor Park Memorial Hall was, for me, the natural choice for this show. The set design invites the audience into an intimate environment with the actors. We are doing something different with the seating, which theatregoers will notice as soon as they enter the space.
Q. How would you describe the sets, props and costumes of the play?
The set is minimal, a few flats. Most of what the audience sees onstage is furniture and props. Tannis Daoust, our costume designer, has done her research for the historical era of the show, and the results are wonderful.
Q. What can audiences expect from Memoir?
The audience can expect some laughs and some tears. I hope they learn something about Sarah, the complexities of her life, and the contradictions. They will also notice the strong bond between Sarah and Pitou as the play unfolds.
Q. Is there anything else you think readers should know about Memoir?
Murrell does take some poetic license with Sarah’s life. For example, in reality, Pitou was not in Sarah’s service at the end of her life.
About Scooter Productions:
Scooter Productions was formed in 2017. Founding members are Phil Cal, Heather Rivet, Sherine Thomas-Holder, and Brian Speagle. Scooter Productions encourages and supports all of the arts in southwestern Ontario.
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Published by Richard Young
A retired History and Politics high school teacher (1978-2008). Former Publisher/Managing Editor of The Beat Magazine (2009-2014). Freelance Writer. Proud Grandfather. View all posts by Richard Young
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