The Ecstasy of Rita Joe [Paperback]

George Ryga (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1970

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

George Ryga
In 1967, George Ryga soared to national fame with The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, which has since evolved into a modern classic. A self-proclaimed artist in resistance, Ryga takes the role of a fierce and fearless social commentator in most of his plays and his work is renowned for its vivid and thrilling theatricality. George Ryga died of stomach cancer in Summerland, BC, in 1987 and will always be remembered and cherished as one of Canada’s most prolific and powerful writers. His memory was publicly honoured at the BC Book Prizes ceremony in 1993

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Talonbooks (January 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088922000X
• ISBN-13: 978-0889220003
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,475,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A play to make you think., April 14, 2005

By 

Antigraphy (Victoria, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (Paperback)

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.

2.0 out of 5 stars Ecstasy of Rita Joe Rough Structurally, November 13, 2001

By 

"lilylioness" (Toronto, Ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (Paperback)

This play, though filled with poignant messages about the state of Native Canadian societies, is very rough structurally. There are great uses of light, and the setting Ryga proposes is excellent, but the play itself is so rough and deliberate that it is a less-than-pleasant read. It was written in 1967, so though perhaps groundbreaking in its time, this play is not really one to read for enjoyment alone.