Set in an immediate Post-9/11 setting in Toronto, Five Red Hands is focused on how trauma (both political and emotional) is manifested through five seemingly disparate characters that weave in and out of each other’s lives. Sita’s impending arranged marriage countered with Liz and her sister Margaret’s fractured relationship structures the action. All of the character’s relationships with each other eventually implode by the end.
Keywords: Sikh gender queer marriage ritual 9/11 racism trauma childhood history
Genre: Drama
Run time: 70 minutes
Suitable for students 16+
Content note: Contains minimal swearing, potentially triggering, discussions of suicide, childhood trauma and abuse, racism, homophobia
Cast size: 5 actors
Male roles: 3
Female roles: 3
Doubled roles: 1
Casting note: All characters are in their 20's. Sita and Deep must be South Asian POC. Deep should also play the role of Baldev. It's not necessary that the actor playing them have a turban and beard, but it is encouraged