Mistress of Novices

The play Mistress o f Novices recounts the story of Bernadette and themiraculous vision she claims to have been granted, and also the conflict that this assertion causes in her relationship with the sceptical and strongwilled Mother of Novices. Set mainly in the convent of St Gildard, Nevers, it follows the life of Bernadette until its agonized end, moves to Lourdes for a final scene when the Mistress of Novices is an aged woman and closes with the announcement of Bernadette's canonization. The action can be set against tabs and wings with the simplest of furnishings. Period: mid-nineteenth century to early twentieth century.