Shy stoner Connor moves to a new Catholic high-school and is rudely interrupted after choir class by the very judgmental and high-strung Lenna. Obviously, they fall in love on the spot. They spend months questioning the world and creating their own; hiding out in the forest behind the school, role-playing as dildo-puppets (one: the priest, the other: the sinner), and smoking weed that Connor has dug into a cash under the trees.
Childlike hand-holding turns into kisses, which turns into Connor convincing Lenna to watch lesbian porn, which turns into a naughty and beautifully awkward exploration in the woods. Their refuge in each other unravels as Connor reveals something she’s always intrinsically known: she’s a trans girl and her name is Elle. Lenna must fight to keep her universe–her girlfriend–by her side, whilst facing her own internalized homophobia. Through being a part of the gay-straight alliance at school, finding her perfect prom dress, and coming to terms with the hate she may receive from the very people who preach love above all else, Elle journeys to find a true acceptance, only hoping that Lenna will meet her along the way.Â
Keywords: Trans, queer, drama, teenage drama, puppetry, coming-of-age, teen love, sexual exploration, religious critique, religion, lesbian, two-hander
Love the Sinner premiered at the Montreal Fringe Festival in June 2024 at Studio Jean-Valcourt (Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec).
Genre: Drama
Run time: 90 minutes
Content notes: Contains references to transphobia, homophobia, religion, mental illness, suicide, coarse language, sex
Cast size: 2 actors
Female roles: 1
Trans/Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming Roles: 1
Casting Breakdown:Â
ELLE, 16-17 years old, trans-feminine - head in the clouds, humour as a coping mechanism, a seeker of truth and freedom
LENNA, 16-17 years old, cis girl - feet on the Earth, anger as a coping mechanism, a seeker of order and belonging
*It is important to cast a trans actor for Elle and a queer actor for Lenna. Elle is referred to by Lenna as "Connor" before she comes out, but will always be referred to as "Elle" in the stage directions and in person.
"Love the Sinner insists on joyful resistance against shame."
- Darragh Kilkenny-Mondoux, Nichemtl