The Ecstasy of Rita Joe

By George Ryga

Book Overview

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 five women and 15 men. With a preface by Chief Dan George. The Ecstasy of Rita Joe premiered November 23, 1967 at the Vancouver Playhouse.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 088922000X
• ISBN13: 9780889220003
• Release Date: February 1970
• Publisher: Talonbooks
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

A play to make you think.

The play may be a rough read for some but it is well worth it. The bare humanity displayed in this play is timeless. It points the finger at the viewer (or in the case reader), who was and is today mostly a middle class clientele. It focuses on the bigger picture, which is the "white man's denial of the Indian humanity." A play most everyone can sympathize with at some point, although I do admit this is best seen and not read.