‘My Red Hand, My Black Hand’

By Tanjua Damon

Newtown Middle School students enjoyed My Red Hand, My Black Hand, a Long Wharf Theatre Production of a girl’s search for belonging and acceptance in the two cultures that make up her heritage of African American and Native American. The play is based on a poem written by Dael Orlandersmith.

All three grades – sixth, seventh, and eighth – saw the skit that sent a message about diversity and acceptance of people who are different. The actors expressed different aspects of African American and Native American culture throughout the half-hour play.

The students were able to ask questions about diversity and the different cultures to the actors in the play.

“It was very helpful to learn how people are treated if they have different cultures,” Sarah McSweeney said.

“I thought it was very informative,” Dana Happel said. “I thought it was good.”

The three actors in the play enjoy the opportunity to use their profession to help educate young minds about the diversity that is in the world.

“I think it’s extremely important, said Sandra Mills Scott, who played the mother. “The seeds of intolerance and racism, divisions among groups, begins at an early age. This is where you have to catch it.”

Jack Burning, who played the father, hoped that the students took something about Native Americans from the performance and that they will be interested in learning more about other cultures.

“I hope it’s an interest in Native Americans,” he said. “And to learn to be tolerant of other people. Learn to be respectful of other people’s feelings.”

Mary E. Hodges, who played the daughter, has participated in children’s theater before and finds it to be a good feeling to help children understand the world around them.

“It feels good,” she said. “If people are going to spend time and money why not let it be educational. It’s great that they get it.”