Extracts of the play

Aide

Prime Minister? Prime Minister?

MACDONALD

Did you want something?

Aide

Nigel. Sir.

MACDONALD

Did you want something, Nigel?

Aide proffers a rolled-up paper.

And what is that?

Aide

It’s a petition, Prime Minister. From the West.

MACDONALD

I don’t need another bloody petition, Nigel! I have 82 of the wretched

things already!

Aide

83, sir.

MACDONALD

But who’s counting?

Aide

I think the Métis might be, sir.

MACDONALD

Riel, again!? Riel? I thought he was wandering in the wilderness!

Aide

The people sent for him, Prime Minister.

MACDONALD

The people!

Macdonald unrolls the petition, which is impossibly long. He strides

around as he reads, becoming more and more agitated, the petition

dragging behind him.

MACDONALD

Land rights?! Legislature?! Rep by pop?! Is he MAD!