The Ecstasy of Rita Joe facts for kids
The Ecstasy of Rita Joe is a powerful play written by George Ryga. This play, which has two acts, was first shown in Vancouver on November 23, 1967. George Bloomfield directed the first performance.
This play is very important in the history of modern Canadian theatre. It was one of the first plays to talk about issues faced by Indigenous people. The story follows a young Indigenous woman as she lives in a big city.
The Ecstasy of Rita Joe also opened the studio theatre at the National Arts Centre in 1969. It was even turned into a ballet! Norbert Vesak created the ballet, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet first performed it on July 27, 1971. The play was performed again by Alberta Theatre Projects in 1976. It was also translated into French by Gratien Gélinas and shown in Montreal. In May 1973, the play was produced in Washington, DC. Famous actors like Chief Dan George and Frances Hyland played the main roles.
Why This Play Is Important
Many people see The Ecstasy of Rita Joe as a very important play. It tells its story in unique ways, using songs, short scenes, and different pictures. The play shows the challenges that Indigenous people faced. It makes it clear that problems often came from cultural differences and misunderstandings.
The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia calls this play "seminal" for Canadian theatre. This means it was a very early and important work. It helped open the door for more plays about Indigenous Canadians to be taken seriously on stage. The play was important not just for its story, but also for being one of the first of its kind.
Who Was In It?
The first production in Vancouver had many talented actors. These included Frances Hyland, August Schellenberg, and Chief Dan George. Other actors were Henry Ramer, Walter Marsh, Robert Clothier, Patricia Gage, Rae Brown, Claudine Melgrave, and Bill Clarkson. Also in the cast were Merv Campone, Alex Bruhanski, Jack Leaf, Jack Buttrey, Leonard George, Robert Hall, Frank Lewis, Paul Stanley, Willie Dunn, and Ann Mortifee.
The sets and lighting for the play were designed by Charles Evans. Margaret Ryan created the costumes.
What People Thought
Critics and audiences had strong feelings about Ryga's play. They often talked about how powerful it was. Jack Richards from the Vancouver Sun said, "I don't know if it is a great play. But if the role of the stage is to communicate... Ryga and... Bloomfield have accomplished their purpose." This means the play did a great job of sharing its message.
Jamie Portman of the Vancouver Province wrote about the play's return in 1976. He said, "...the play still worked. Rita Joe was a landmark in more ways than one. It was - and remains - a play for all seasons and for all peoples." This shows that the play's message stayed important over time. The Washington Post also gave the play a good review.
