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.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

The Night Witches

Recommended by

  • Megan Tripaldi:
    8 Jun. 2022
    “ Such an incredible ensemble piece! Beautifully, seamlessly structured. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    30 Apr. 2021
    “ 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:
    18 May. 2020
    “ 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

  • Vera
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Newly trained to be a navigator, formerly worked as a mechanic. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Nina
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Newly trained to be a navigator, formerly worked as a mechanic. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Tatyana
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Captain. Sings. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Serafima
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Captain. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Irina
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Captain. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Alexandra
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Navigator. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Polina
    twenties,
    Female
    Deputy Commander. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Raisa
    late teens- early twenties,
    Female
    Head mechanic. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Zoya
    twenties to thirties,
    Female
    Commander. Russian.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Egyptian Youtheatre
    ,
    2019
  • Workshop
    ,
    Egyptian Youtheatre
    ,
    2019
  • Commission
    ,
    Egyptian Youtheatre
    ,
    2018

Production History

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

Awards

Audience Choice Award
,
Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival
,
2019