‘The Trial of Louis Riel’ Longest Running Play in North America

“The Trial of Louis Riel” play continues its legacy as North America’s longest running stage show.  The show, which is a reenactment of the court transcripts of the trial, acts as a reminder of the trial that took place in July of 1885 when Riel was found guilty of treason for rebelling against the government, thus coined a ‘rebel.’

The play offers a Métis perspective and insight into the unfair trial, in which Riel had only attempted to seek justice for his people, but was instead coined ‘insane’ because of his defence lawyers.  The content of the play allows Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to understand how historical events shaped the Métis relationship with Canada.  The play revealed aspects of history that has and currently affects Métis individual’s rights and national relationship, something that all Canadians should be aware of.

In attending the play with a family member, we were encouraged to be apart of the show and were scurried behind stage to dress up.  We chose to be on the defendant’s side, Riel, and sat in our old fashioned attire.  The show was fun, intense and educational.

For future shows, tickets can be bought online at http://www.rielcoproductions.com/schedule.htm.

In honour of Louis Riel, I wanted to include one of the many poems he was known for (read more about his poetry here; “The Political Poetry of Louis Riel”)

The French-Canadian-Métis

“With unstinting love I give praise

To French-Canadian-Métis:

A young people whose yesterdays

Are now alive as history.

Their eyes have seen the glory

Against Minnesota bands.

They’ve only tasted victory

Against the Dakota clans.

Flowers strewn across prairie beds

Or on Nor’western mountain shields,

Remembering, incline their heads

And tell their story to the fields.

The cart paths that proliferate

Around the town of Regina

Serve as reminders of roads laid

Reaching deep into Montana.

Their humble, friendly habitat

has served as refuge for strangers.

their proven valor in combat

Has warded off many dangers.

Peace loving, never ill-bred.

Warrior blood runs in their veins.

Let them by Laurier be led.

They’ll be fearsome on the plains…”

(Riel, 1883, pg. 111)  

– Story by Denica Dionne Patterson for RezX

About Denica Patterson 

Denica Dione Patterson is still very new to RezX, having joined the team in December 2015. She just graduated with her BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) from the University of Regina. Her hobbies include writing, travelling, and art. But for RezX, she plans to blog about Metis issues and environmental rights, and the use of art as a historical and current means of healing and reconciliation.Welcome to the team, Denica!