The Ecstasy Of Rita Joe
by George Ryga

Name: The Ecstasy Of Rita Joe
Brand: George Ryga
SKU: 9780889220003
Rating: 3.46 (379 reviews)

The Ecstasy Of Rita Joe Book Cover — The Ecstasy Of Rita Joe Cover

Highlights

Large Cast

Female

Male

Canadian

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about the play, acknowledging its importance in highlighting Indigenous issues while criticizing its structural difficulties and readability. Many find the themes of racism and discrimination resonant, but some suggest the play is best experienced live rather than read. Overall, it is remembered as a significant work in Canadian theatre history, though not without its flaws.

Timeless messages about Indigenous strugglesEmotional and powerful performancesSignificant historical contextDifficult to follow at timesStructurally roughConfusing flashbacks

Synopsis

Rita Joe is a Native girl who leaves the reservation for the city, only to die on skid row as a victim of white men’s violence and paternalistic attitudes towards First Nations peoples.

As perhaps the best-known contemporary Canadian play and a poetic drama of enormous theatrical power, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe had a major influence in awakening consciousness to the “Indian problem” both in whites and Natives themselves.

Cast of 5 women and 15 men

With a preface by Chief Dan George

The Ecstasy of Rita Joe premiered November 23, 1967 at the Vancouver Playhouse.