←Recommendations of Heartbeats

In the midst of the horrors of war, Danielle Wirsansky captures a precious moment of human connection between two young female Soviet conscripts. The contrast between tension and hopefulness is beautifully presented. I can imagine being part of an audience for this play as all hearts beat in unison.

This short play reads almost like a poem. A whole world is created and then shattered and then is resurrected by hope. This is a beautifully realized piece that deserves to be staged. Gorgeous work.

A beautiful, entrancing short that weaves the motif of running elegantly throughout, in both action as well as symbol. In the face of imminent death, these two women see life in utmost clarity. The theme of the heartbeat lends a metronomic quality to the piece, keeping it measured and sincere, carefully paced and emotionally propulsive. I can only imagine how response audiences would be to this lovely play.

Few plays give women their due respect in war, and even fewer allow multiple female characters to carry the plot through. Danielle Wirsansky's play does both as these Soviet soldiers fight to survive the fog of war both in the insanity of combat and together in the darkness. This play provides strong challenges for actors directors but the payoff would be worth it when performed well on stage.

I had the pleasure of hearing a reading of this gripping and moving play about two real life Soviet soldiers. The reality of combat was fully realized and the women's humanity deftly illustrated. This is a vividly theatrical piece that demands to be staged.