In Depth

The Trial of Louis Riel

Louis Riel was tried and hanged in Regina in 1885. Bitter arguments have been fought between those who regard Riel as a patriot and martyr and those who regard him as a rebel. Whatever the opinion, Riel certainly raises some extremely deep and discomforting questions. As G. F. Stanley, professor of history at the Royal Military College, Kingston, has written, "The mere mention of his name bares those latent religious and racial animosities which seem to lie so close to the surface of Canadian politics." Riel has gained some official respect from the Anglo-European community in recent years; in his honor, the Saskatchewan government has renamed Highway 11 from Prince Albert to Regina the Louis Riel Trail.

Even though he took up the cause of the mixed-blood population of the west, French-speaking Canadians often regarded Riel as a martyr and English-speaking Canadians damned him as a madman. Written by John Coulter, The Trial of Louis Riel is a play based on the actual court records of the historical trial. It's presented Wednesday through Friday at the MacKenzie Art Gallery over a month between July and August. Nothing if not provocative, the play raises such issues as language rights, prejudice, and justice that still resound. Tickets are C$12 (US$12/£6) for adults, C$11 (US$11£5.50) for seniors and students, and C$9 (US$9/£4.50) for children ages 12 and under. For information or reservations, call tel. 306/728-5728.