THE ECSTASY OF RITA JOE

This year marks the 20th commemoration of George Ryga’s death in 1987, as well as the 40th anniversary of the premiere of the Ecstasy of Rita Joe, the first play in English to be presented in the National Arts Centre Theatre in Ottawa in 1969. For several years afterwards it shook the nation. Chief Dan George wrote in the preface of the first publication, “this play carries a message all Canada should hear.”


One Rita Joe actress after dress rehearsal commented.” I needed to understand situations. I’ve led a pretty sheltered life and this project took me on a journey of understanding the many First Nations issues. I thought it could never happen to me or in my community. I know it is and if we don’t stop it now it’ll go on for ever. It’s not about coming to a play for entertainment – it’s a way of seeing other realities. “A student next to her responded. “I’m reminded of my Grandmother. She was Metis and a rape victim. My Mom says the guy received a light sentence.”

Thank you for coming and supporting.
To share with you is our honour.

“People who are forgotten are not forgetting.
To overlook them is a dangerous delusion.”
-George Ryga

“If the very old will remember, the very young will listen.” - Chief Dan George in My Heart Soars

Cast and Crew
Rita Joe: Samrawit Geti, Kyla Poss
Lynelle Poochey-Torrence, Nicole Zalesak
Jamie Paul: Andrew Fiddler
Father: Rylan Ledene
Magistrate: Tianna Boddy, Erich Jurgens,
Jeremy Roach, Brian Tamosiunis
Mrs. Homer: Trinity Smetaniuk
Priest: Jade Henderson
Eileen Joe: Megan Dyck
Old Women: Michelle Backstrom
Teacher: Audrey-Anne Tellier
Policeman: Andrew Suchar
Witness: Louise Sutherland
Louis: Talib Sadat
Singers: Heather Press, Tristin Greyeyes
Drummers: Brendan Delorme, Vicent Vanmeesen
Dancer: Shawna Brazeau
Fiddler: Dallas Fiddler

Light & Sound: Austin Bloomfield, Brandon Roach,
Jeri Eidsness Hodges
Set Design: Sarawit Geti, Nicole Zalesak, Heather Press
Poster: Klya Poss
Intern Director: Ms D. Tait
Student Director: Heather Press

Supervisors…. Julia Kawa, Raymon Montalbetti, Constance Sacher and Bob Turner Special Thanks…. Melissa Plamondon, Ronalee Hall, Feehan Drummers and Dancers,The Administration and Staff – Principal: Sheila Chad

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