In 1969, the National Arts Centre Theatre opened its doors for the first time with a production of George Ryga's The Ecstasy of Rita Joe. Canadian theatre would never be the same again.  Widely considered the first distinctively English-Canadian play, Rita Joe focussed a spotlight on a Canadian issue and on Canadian people.  The glare was direct, unsentimental, honest, and powerful and it paved the way for a fledgling Canadian dramatic literature to grow.

The NAC English Theatre is proud to coproduce with Western Canada Theatre (Kamloops,BC), bringing this politically candid play to new audiences.