GIRL IN THE RED CORNER

by Stephen Spotswood

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...

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.

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GIRL IN THE RED CORNER

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: GIRL IN THE RED CORNER by Stephen Spotswood
    “

    A powerful story about the fight for freedom, empowerment and self discovery that speaks to women everywhere. Well done!

    A powerful story about the fight for freedom, empowerment and self discovery that speaks to women everywhere. Well done!

    ”
  • Molly Wagner: GIRL IN THE RED CORNER by Stephen Spotswood
    “

    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!

    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: GIRL IN THE RED CORNER by Stephen Spotswood
    “

    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.

    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.

    ”
View all 14 recommendations

Character Information

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
    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
    30ish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Gina
    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
    30ish
    Female or Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Terry
    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)
    50-60
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Brinn
    Halo's big sister; the planner, the fixer; confident in her choices; old enough to have a 12-yr old daughter
    30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Warren
    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)
    30s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Production History

  • Professional, The Welders Playwrights' Collective, 2016
  • Professional, defunkt theatre, 2018
  • Professional, Broken Nose Theatre, 2019
  • Professional, Know Theatre, 2019

Awards

  • Helen Hayes Recommended
    2016
  • Charles MacArthur Award For Best Outstanding New Play
    Helen Hayes Awards
    Winner
    2017