Rachel Bublitz

Writer

The Night Witches

Poster from University of Utah production. Poster by Anna Oldroyd.

Audience
All ages
Cast
9+ she/her or 11+ she/her (80 minute version)
Runtime
three lengths available; 35 minutes, 60 minutes, or 80 minutes (11+ cast)
Licensed By
Dramatic Publishing.
The Night Witches is available for purchase and/or licensing through Dramatic Publishing.

The Night Witches, of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, flew in planes made of canvas and wood, and dropped their bombs on their German enemy every fifteen minutes through the night to keep them from sleeping. They were constantly being shuffled and moved to perform new duties; mechanics would become navigators, navigators would become pilots, and pilots would become commanders. Nina and Vera have just finished their training as navigators and are moments away from their first combat mission. As they fight their nerves, the women around them use different means of bolstering their spirits, some more successfully than others. But when the time comes, ready or not, to the sky they must go. However, tonight is different than any night they’ve faced before; their enemy has employed a new tactic taking them completely by surprise. Using movement, song, and lyrically styled dialogue we follow these brave women through one fateful evening during the war.

The production by Park City's Egyptian YouTheater is spellbinding and haunting, pushing the boundaries of what a youth theater production can achieve. The nine young actresses captured the hearts of theatergoers.

Julie Hirschi for the Salt Lake Tribune
Sign up for my newsletter