Monkeys in a Zoo

by Danielle Wirsansky

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (1F/3M)
"Monkeys in a Zoo" delves into the gripping true story of First Lieutenant Reba Zitella Whittle, a courageous member of the United States Army Nurse Corps during WWII. Shot down in September 1944, she becomes the sole American military female prisoner of war in the European Theater. As her harrowing ordeal unfolds, Reba's resilience and determination shine through in the face of...

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (1F/3M)
"Monkeys in a Zoo" delves into the gripping true story of First Lieutenant Reba Zitella Whittle, a courageous member of the United States Army Nurse Corps during WWII. Shot down in September 1944, she becomes the sole American military female prisoner of war in the European Theater. As her harrowing ordeal unfolds, Reba's resilience and determination shine through in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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Monkeys in a Zoo

Recommended by

  • Evan Baughfman: Monkeys in a Zoo by Danielle Wirsansky
    “

    A powerful true story, one that deserves attention in more history books! Not only educational, but also eye-opening in its depiction of strength and character!

    A powerful true story, one that deserves attention in more history books! Not only educational, but also eye-opening in its depiction of strength and character!

    ”
  • Bai He: Monkeys in a Zoo by Danielle Wirsansky
    “

    A poignant drama based on the true story of the only American military female prisoner of war in the European Theater during WW II. Wirsansky’s attention to detail brings to life a little known but thrilling incident involving a determined nurse whose plane was shot down in 1944.

    A poignant drama based on the true story of the only American military female prisoner of war in the European Theater during WW II. Wirsansky’s attention to detail brings to life a little known but thrilling incident involving a determined nurse whose plane was shot down in 1944.

    ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: Monkeys in a Zoo by Danielle Wirsansky
    “

    Danielle Wirsansky finds such interesting stories from history that may have eluded us in our schooling. This play is no exception. I want to learn more about Reba's life before enlisting to fight the nazis and beyond this tension filled moment where she and her fellow soldier are taken prisoner during WWII. Even the German soldiers shock at discovering they've captured a woman is well developed and nerve wracking!

    Danielle Wirsansky finds such interesting stories from history that may have eluded us in our schooling. This play is no exception. I want to learn more about Reba's life before enlisting to fight the nazis and beyond this tension filled moment where she and her fellow soldier are taken prisoner during WWII. Even the German soldiers shock at discovering they've captured a woman is well developed and nerve wracking!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations
4- 1F/3F

Development History

  • Reading, Queens Theatre Group, 2020