4th Line Theatre - 2026

Discover the Story Behind Wild Irish Geese at 4th Line Theatre This August

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/4thlinetheatre/photos

History has a way of coming alive when it is told through the voices of those who lived it. This summer, 4th Line Theatre invites audiences to experience Wild Irish Geese, an original Canadian production that tells a moving story of courage, resilience, hope, and the sacrifices made by Irish immigrants searching for a better life in Upper Canada.

Performed outdoors on the beautiful Winslow Farm in Millbrook, Ontario, Wild Irish Geese transports audiences back to the 1820s during one of the most significant periods of immigration in Canadian history. Surrounded by forests, fields, and open skies, the natural landscape becomes part of the performance, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience unlike any indoor stage.

Written by acclaimed playwright Megan Murphy, Wild Irish Geese draws inspiration from the remarkable story of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration.  Wild Irish Geese captures both the hardships and the triumphs of these early settlers while exploring universal themes that continue to resonate today.  Family, identity, belonging, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future. The production also thoughtfully acknowledges the Indigenous peoples who already called this land home, adding important perspectives that deepen the historical narrative and encourage meaningful reflection.

Located at 9 Tupper Street in Millbrook

Previews: Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5

Opening Night: Thursday, August 6

Regular Performances: Tuesday through Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

Special Added Performance: Monday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Photo Credit:  https://www.facebook.com/4thlinetheatre/photos

Festival Fridays Add Even More to Your Visit

Every Friday throughout the summer, visitors can enhance their theatre experience by arriving early for Festival Fridays, running from 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.  Browse booths featuring local farmers, artisans, and culinary partners offering fresh food, handmade products, and regional specialties before the evening performance begins.  Festival Fridays also Artist Talks and historical presentations under the white tent, giving audiences the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the production and the history that inspired it.

August 7

M. John Kennedy, actor in Wild Irish Geese, joins Peter Robinson descendant Paul Hickey to discuss family history and the lasting legacy of Irish settlement in the region.

August 14

Playwright and actor Megan Murphy speaks with JJ Thevasagayam, Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre Peterborough, exploring how the themes of immigration in Wild Irish Geese continue to reflect the experiences of newcomers today.

August 21

Patti Shaughnessy, Indigenous Story Consultant and actor, joins historian and author John Boyko for a conversation about the historical experiences of Irish settlers and Indigenous communities in the Peterborough area.

August 28

Actor Paul Crough sits down with playwright Megan Murphy for an inside look at the extensive historical research, interviews, and creative process that shaped Wild Irish Geese.

As the sun begins to set over the rolling countryside, audiences become immersed in an authentic outdoor production where nature provides the backdrop and history unfolds before their eyes.  Whether your family has Irish roots, you’re fascinated by Canadian history, or you simply appreciate outstanding live theatre, Wild Irish Geese offers a memorable evening that will leave you reflecting on the courage of those who came before us.

This August, arrive early for Festival Fridays, enjoy local food and artisan vendors, take part in insightful Artist Talks, and experience one of Ontario’s most celebrated outdoor theatre productions. For more information please visit:  https://www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca

For more information please visit:  https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/explore-play/events/concerts-in-the-park/

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