My play, The Devil’s Right Hand, made its debut! Directed by Charlotte Harris, the piece was part of the 2025 Ten Minute Play Festival at Utah State University. A western, the story is a meditation on the intersection of American masculinity and gun violence, told through that most American of genre. There’s a dash of lyricism and magic realism, too. The play takes its name from a Johnny Cash song, “The Devil’s Right Hand”, and is inspired by another Cash tune, “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town”.
I am honored that my play connected with Harris, who first read the script on the New Play Exchange. When asked what drew her to The Devil’s Right Hand, she states, “I grew up watching old westerns with him [my dad] and developed a love for the genre over the years. I thought you expanded on the action and ideas in Johnny Cash’s original song in some really interesting ways.” Thank you, Charlotte. You were a wonderful collaborator!
I am very thankful for her enthusiasm and the talents of the cast and crew. The production featured the acting talents of Ethan Penner (Billy Joe), Bella Jolley (Mother), and Lincoln Briggs (Nick). Lighting and sound design were by Meghan Campbell and Ian Buchanan, respectively. The play was stage managed by Carter Hulet.
Folks, I’m proud of this one. The Devil’s Right Hand is a play that has gotten close to production before; it has been a finalist for two previous festivals at Theatre Du Mississippi and the ATHE New Play Development Workshop. Now, finally, it has found its audience.
If you’re interested in reading the play, you can do so below. If you’d like to go a step further and produce the play, please email me at vincenthannam@gmail.com. I would love The Devil’s Right Hand to continue finding audiences ready for a gritty, lyrical western.
Harris, Briggs
VINCENT HANNAM 