The Night Witches

by Rachel Bublitz

FULL LENGTH (approximately 80 minutes): 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...

FULL LENGTH (approximately 80 minutes): 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.

*35 minute version available!
*60 minute version available!
*Both of the shorter versions of the play have a smaller cast of 9.

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The Night Witches

Recommended by

  • Megan Tripaldi: The Night Witches

    Such an incredible ensemble piece! Beautifully, seamlessly structured.

    Such an incredible ensemble piece! Beautifully, seamlessly structured.

  • Cheryl Bear: The Night Witches

    A fascinating story of those fighting the Germans in shifting roles of combat. A powerful story of courage and strength! Well done.

    A fascinating story of those fighting the Germans in shifting roles of combat. A powerful story of courage and strength! Well done.

  • Mildred Inez Lewis: The Night Witches

    Nina and Vera are very fresh ways of imagining female characters. This couldn't be more relevant because of everything we living through. It is also beautifully and lyrically written.

    Nina and Vera are very fresh ways of imagining female characters. This couldn't be more relevant because of everything we living through. It is also beautifully and lyrically written.

View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

  • Raisa
    Head mechanic. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Alexandra
    Navigator. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Nina
    Newly trained to be a navigator, formerly worked as a mechanic. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Tatyana
    Captain. Sings. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Vera
    Newly trained to be a navigator, formerly worked as a mechanic. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Irina
    Captain. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Polina
    Deputy Commander. Russian.
    Character Age
    twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Serafima
    Captain. Russian.
    Character Age
    late teens- early twenties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Zoya
    Commander. Russian.
    Character Age
    twenties to thirties
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Egyptian Youtheatre, Year 2019
  • Type Workshop, Organization Egyptian Youtheatre, Year 2019
  • Type Commission, Organization Egyptian Youtheatre, Year 2018

Production History

  • Type High School, Organization Anoka High School, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization Egyptian YouTheatre, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Year 2020
  • Type University, Organization University of Utah, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization Egyptian Youtheatre, Year 2019

Awards

  • Audience Choice Award
    Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival
    2019