Dancing At Lughnasa

The play’s second act begins in early September, two weeks after the events of the first act. Young Michael’s kites sit on the table, where he writes a letter to Santa Claus. Maggie teases him about how the kites never flew and asks what he’s writing about. Michael explains that he wants a bell for the bike his dad claims to have bought him. Knowing Michael’s dad will probably never give him a bike, Maggie attempts to distract him with riddles.

Jack enters the room looking healthy, but dressed in the odd combination of his army uniform and sister’s sweater. He hears church bells ring, and Maggie explains they’re coming from the high-class wedding of Austin Morgan. Jack converses much more fluently than before and strongly recalls memories. Kate asks if he’ll begin mass soon. At this remark, Jack seems confused about where he is, suggesting they summon villagers for mass with a gong. He describes the harvest festivals of Uganda, which revolve around drinking and dancing. When he cheerfully departs for a walk, the sisters whisper about how he’s changed.