History

Louis David Riel has been made a folk hero by the Francophone, the Catholic nationalists, the Native rights movement, and the New Left student movement. Riel has received more scholarly attention than practically any other figure in Canadian history.
The trial of Louis Riel was one of the biggest spectacles in Canadian history. The trial of Louis Riel lasted four days in July 1885.
The leader of the North West Rebellion addressed the court in Regina, listing the Métis grievances and outlining his vision for a diverse Canada.
Historical! - John Coulter’s play is based on official trial transcripts
Dramatic! - Live performers Re-enact the 1885 Trial of Louis Riel
Controversial! - Land Rights, Language, Race, Religion, and Justice are Central Topics in the Play’s Dialogue
Re-creation of Canada's Most Famous Trial
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A Centennial Project written in 1967 by John Coulter
Peter Champagne Producer
RielCo Productions
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Experience the momentous trial that changed Western Canada Forever!
The RCMP Heritage Centre is once again proud to host The Trial of Louis Riel in its 56th year. This production is the longest continuously running historical drama in North America. A historic moment in time and is a piece of utmost importance to Canada’s history, of which the Centre wishes to offer the opportunity to share with Regina and surrounding communities.

“I am glad the Crown has proved I am the leader of the half-breeds of the North-West. That is important to remember. It means I stand in this dock not as myself only, but as the chosen representative and leader of a whole people, the half-breed people. Can a whole people be guilty of treason? I beg you to think of that. I am their leader and one day perhaps I will be acknowledged as more than a leader of the half-breeds as a leader of good in this great country.”
Louis Riel
John D. Huston stars in the 56th stage production of The Trial of Louis Riel. John first appeared in The Trial of Louis Riel in 1976 playing a variety of roles in the production through 1981. He is honored to reprise Louis Riel, a role he last performed for the 50th anniversary production in 2017 and last year’s productions (2021) at the RCMP Heritage Centre. This gripping story is based on the transcripts of the famous trial of Louis Riel in 1885 at Regina. This year celebrates the 56th year of the play’s production making it the longest-running, historical, dramatic, theatrical, production in North America. The cast and crew of The Trial of Louis Riel invite all people to support this important historical and heritage production by attending the performance with friends and family!
View 2021 Performance Program of The Trial of Louis Riel
Watch the video:
Louis Riel addresses the Jury
School Shows Reservation Voucher Commitment for Monday – Friday
Schools, make your reservations ASAP for (______) by completing our School Shows Reservation form online or download our PDF Reservation form
NOTICE
PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. No picture taking of any kind is allowed during the performance. After the performance, everyone is invited to ask questions and take pictures of the actors.
