Unemployed, fresh off a dead-end marriage, and searching for a way to take control of her life, Halo walks into a gym and signs up for mixed martial arts lessons. Her trainer thinks she’s a light-weight. Her mother and sister think it’s just plain weird. Very quickly the lessons she learns in the ring bleed into the rest of her life and Halo finds herself battling against everyone around her. As she prepares...
Unemployed, fresh off a dead-end marriage, and searching for a way to take control of her life, Halo walks into a gym and signs up for mixed martial arts lessons. Her trainer thinks she’s a light-weight. Her mother and sister think it’s just plain weird. Very quickly the lessons she learns in the ring bleed into the rest of her life and Halo finds herself battling against everyone around her. As she prepares for her first match, Halo realizes that life inside the cage and outside the cage are disturbingly similar. And that the only way to survive either is to fight.
Recommend
Download
Save to Reading List
GIRL IN THE RED CORNER
Recommended by
Cheryl Bear:
30 Jan. 2021
“
A powerful story about the fight for freedom, empowerment and self discovery that speaks to women everywhere. Well done! ”
Molly Wagner:
28 May. 2020
“
Incredible characters and story about the people we need to hold on to and the things we need to let go. Great roles for women! ”
Christopher Walsh:
19 Feb. 2019
“
What a fantastic script. The Broken Nose Theatre production in Chicago was an inspiring piece of theatre, with incredible roles for some gifted actors. It is impossible not to identify with Halo and her journey. At the end, when her sister asks her to explain why she needs this (MMA training) in her life, you could feel the truth of Halo's answer reverberate through the audience. I cannot recommend it highly enough. ”
The actor playing TERRY also plays NANCY FROM HUMAN RESOURCES and GINA's OPPONENT
The actor playing WARREN also plays KYLE and, if needed, the voice of the ANNOUNCER.
All actors will have extended stage combat scenes. HALO and GINA are physically active (training, sparring, and stage combat) for much of the play. A fight choreographer will be required, and an MMA consultant is highly recommended.
Halo
30ish,
Female
a bit of a punk in her youth; a year or so finished with a dead-end marriage, she's spent a decade working crap jobs for crap paychecks; she grew up (and still lives) in a world dominated by strip malls, cash-for-gold joints, and roadhouse bars
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
Brinn
30s,
Female
Halo's big sister; the planner, the fixer; confident in her choices; old enough to have a 12-yr old daughter
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
Gina
30ish,
Female or Non-binary
Halo's trainer; recovering addict turned trainer and MMA fighter; not a bit of wasted energy; they have feelings--they're just not going to show them to you
NOTE: I have created a version of the script where Gina is nonbinary. Please email me at spotswood@gmail.com for that version
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female, Non-binary
Terry
50-60,
Female
Halo and Brinn's mother; a former rough-and-tumble roadhouse girl; lost a lot of the fire but kept the drinking problem; too many years working the checkout line have worn away some edges and sharpened others. (also plays NANCY FROM HUMAN RESOURCES, GINA'S OPPONENT)
Can be played by:
Age:
40s, 50s, 60s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
Warren
30s,
Male
Brinn's husband; married young to his knocked-up girlfriend; honestly trying to do the best for his family and to tread water in a busted economy (also plays KYLE, ANNOUNCER)
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s, 40s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Male
Production History
Professional
,
Broken Nose Theatre
,
2019
Professional
,
Know Theatre
,
2019
Professional
,
defunkt theatre
,
2018
Professional
,
The Welders Playwrights' Collective
,
2016
Awards
Winner
,
Charles MacArthur Award For Best Outstanding New Play