The Drill (Or, Civil Defense Is No Defense): A Play Concerning the Life of Dorothy Day

by Laura Pittenger

City Hall Park in NYC on June 15, 1955, the day of the state’s annual Operation Alert civil defense drill, conducted in case of a nuclear attack. Dorothy Day, noted Catholic anarchist, leads a protest against the drills and in the process, meets a young stranger.

City Hall Park in NYC on June 15, 1955, the day of the state’s annual Operation Alert civil defense drill, conducted in case of a nuclear attack. Dorothy Day, noted Catholic anarchist, leads a protest against the drills and in the process, meets a young stranger.

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The Drill (Or, Civil Defense Is No Defense): A Play Concerning the Life of Dorothy Day

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: The Drill (Or, Civil Defense Is No Defense): A Play Concerning the Life of Dorothy Day by Laura Pittenger
    “

    A wonderful piece showing the power of sisterhood and humanity when we can just share our experience and be with one another. Well done.

    A wonderful piece showing the power of sisterhood and humanity when we can just share our experience and be with one another. Well done.

    ”
  • James McLindon: The Drill (Or, Civil Defense Is No Defense): A Play Concerning the Life of Dorothy Day by Laura Pittenger
    “

    That rarest of things in our world: a consideration of abortion in which no one is demonized and our common humanity is foremost. It's a play you'll be thinking about long after you've finished it because it wisely raises far more questions that it tries to answer.

    That rarest of things in our world: a consideration of abortion in which no one is demonized and our common humanity is foremost. It's a play you'll be thinking about long after you've finished it because it wisely raises far more questions that it tries to answer.

    ”
  • Vince Gatton: The Drill (Or, Civil Defense Is No Defense): A Play Concerning the Life of Dorothy Day by Laura Pittenger
    “

    A gorgeous little piece with magnificent depth. Dorothy Day's prickly, brusque, open-hearted love shines off the page, and this brief encounter with a mysterious young woman brought tears to my eyes. I *think* you'll agree, even if you knew nothing about Dorothy Day -- but if you *do* know about her, I am certain you will love love love this short gem.

    A gorgeous little piece with magnificent depth. Dorothy Day's prickly, brusque, open-hearted love shines off the page, and this brief encounter with a mysterious young woman brought tears to my eyes. I *think* you'll agree, even if you knew nothing about Dorothy Day -- but if you *do* know about her, I am certain you will love love love this short gem.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Woman
    Enigmatic. Looks a little like Dorothy Day.
    35
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Dorothy Day
    A sensible dresser with sharp eyes and soft hair. Well-known Catholic anarchist, activist, and rabble rouser.
    58
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, One Bird Productions, 2016

Production History

  • Professional, Sheen Center Catholic Theater Festival, 2017
  • Professional, Theatre of Light, 2017