Danielle Wirsansky

"Qui Vivra Verra" delves into the lives of Special Operations Executive Spies Vera Leigh, Diana Rowden, Sonia Olschaneszki, and Andree Borrel, focusing on their last night at Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp during WWII. Through the perspectives of camp workers Peter Strauss and Franz Berg, the play reveals the courage, strength, and resolve of these women. As Strauss and Berg grapple with their own roles and emotions, they bear witness to the spies' indomitable spirit, illuminating the profound impact of their bravery and sacrifice.

FULL-LENGTH (4F)
"Sitting Still" vividly portrays the remarkable journey of British women medics during the tumultuous backdrop of World War I. Despite their exceptional qualifications, the British government initially rebuffs their offer to aid the war effort, dismissing them with the infamous decree to 'go home and sit still.' Undeterred by this patronizing refusal, the play delves into the resilient spirit of these pioneering women.

Led by the indomitable Dr. Elsie Inglis, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of love, duty, and societal resistance. Dr. Inglis, alongside a cast of all queer women characters, navigates professional challenges and romantic entanglements, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives of historical figures such as Dr. Flora Murray, Dr. Louisa Garrett Anderson, and Dr. Jessie MacGregor.

FULL-LENGTH (3F/3M)

"Shanda" delves into the journey of Lily, a determined history grad student grappling with her dissertation topic. When she encounters Fritz, an elderly man with a hidden past of heroism during the Holocaust, Lily sees an opportunity to unearth a compelling narrative. Propelled by her ambition, she endeavors to nominate Fritz for the prestigious Righteous Among the Nations honor, only to confront an unexpected obstacle: the requirement for the rescued individual to nominate their savior.

Undeterred, Lily embarks on a quest to persuade Galia, the woman Fritz saved, to endorse his nomination. However, her efforts are met with hostility, leaving Lily reeling from the sting of rejection and the haunting accusation of "monster." With her academic future on the line, Lily refuses to surrender, delving deeper into Fritz and Galia's shared history.

As she peels back layers of deception, Lily unearths painful truths and confronts the unsettling parallels between past and present. Through her journey, she challenges entrenched narratives of the Holocaust and the treatment of women, ultimately finding her voice as an advocate for justice and empowerment. "Shanda" is a riveting exploration of courage, truth, and the enduring power of standing up for what is right.

FULL-LENGTH (1F/2M)
"Darling of My Heart" follows Deirdre, perpetually eclipsed by her domineering father's shadow. Burdened by his blame and stifled by loneliness, her world shifts when a secret admirer emerges, offering a glimmer of hope amidst her despair. As revelations surface, Deirdre confronts the manipulation woven by the men in her life, sparking a journey of self-discovery. Faced with a pivotal choice, she grapples with forging her own path or surrendering to the echoes of the past.

FULL LENGTH (2F/1M)
"Lunge" traces the journey of Bridget, a passionate young fencer with aspirations of Olympic glory. Determined to follow in the footsteps of her esteemed coach, she strives for his approval and secures a coveted spot as his student. Yet, as she delves deeper into her training, Bridget is forced to confront the true essence of her dreams and the sacrifices they entail. Wrestling with the realization that her ambitions may have been shaped by external influences, she grapples with the profound question of whether the pursuit of her goals is authentic to her own desires.

FULL-LENGTH MUSICAL (8F/8M)
This musical adaptation intertwines the timeless tale of Orpheus and Eurydice with the harrowing backdrop of 1942 Germany. Izaak, a promising German musician, finds love with Eliora, a Jewish woman living clandestinely amidst the chaos of Nazi oppression. When a tragic misunderstanding lands Eliora in Sobibor concentration camp, Izaak embarks on a perilous quest, torn between loyalty to his brother, a Nazi official, and his unwavering love for Eliora. As the echoes of their romance resonate against the horrors of history, "Shadow of Darkness" is a poignant exploration of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring power of love.

ONE ACT PLAY (5 M)
"Tied to a Bugle" unveils the raw, unfiltered testimonies of George Aigen, a WWII veteran pivotal in the liberation of Dachau concentration camp. Crafted from his candid interviews and penned with his blessing, this verbatim theater piece offers an intimate glimpse into George's journey.

Beginning with his vivid recollections as a teenager during WWII, the narrative unfolds to chronicle George's transformative experiences as an army engineer abroad. Through his eyes, audiences witness the tumultuous landscape of war and the indelible marks it leaves on those who endure its trials.

With unparalleled authenticity, "Tied to a Bugle" honors George's bravery and resilience, inviting audiences to bear witness to history through his deeply personal accounts.

SHORT PLAY (1F/2M)
"White Mouse" unveils the gripping saga of Nancy Wake, a real-life WWII spy whose daring exploits earned her the title of the Gestapo's most wanted woman. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe, the play offers a riveting snapshot of Wake's fearless leadership, culminating in the audacious raid she led on Gestapo headquarters in Montlucon.

Infused with Wake's own words and accounts, the narrative paints a vivid portrait of her unparalleled courage and cunning. Gone is the portrayal of a mere "lady spy"; instead, audiences are treated to a portrayal of Wake as a formidable force to be reckoned with—a woman of remarkable bravery, wit, and unmatched skill in espionage.

"White Mouse" delivers a gripping and satisfying glimpse into the essence of what made Nancy Wake a legendary figure in history—a true thorn in the side of the German war machine.

SHORT PLAY (1F/1M)
"Alarm of the People" thrusts audiences into the heart-pounding confrontation between notorious serial killer Marcel Petiot and a determined young police officer. As they engage in a deadly game of wits amidst the chaos of carnage, the lines blur between hunter and hunted. With secrets hanging in the balance, the gripping narrative unfolds, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning who truly holds the upper hand in this high-stakes battle of wills.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (2F/1M)
"Holocaust Syndrome" delves into the complex psyche of Golda Meir, Israel's first female prime minister, renowned for her toughness and shrewdness. As a pivotal figure in Israel's tumultuous journey to statehood, Golda's unwavering commitment to her people's interests is put to the test when confronted by a young, idealistic woman. In a riveting exchange, Golda finds herself forced to justify her decisions and actions, navigating the fine line between pragmatism and morality in the quest to shape a nation's destiny.

SHORT PLAY (4F)
Inspired by the words and experiences of Carmen Contreras-Bozak, one of the few Puerto Rican women who enlisted in the American military during WWII, "When the Cat's Away" is an exploration of the taboo subject of suicide, especially in the military. Using her culture as an outlet to celebrate life, she makes the case to Amelia, her sister in arms, to choose life over death, especially in the face of fear.

SHORT PLAY (2F/1M)
"The Vulgarity of Grace" illuminates the remarkable story of Gracia Mendes Nasi, a trailblazing figure in 16th-century Europe. At its core, the play delves into a pivotal moment in the relationship between Gracia and her sister, Reyna. When Reyna's husband unexpectedly bequeaths control of his business to Gracia instead, tensions flare, revealing the groundbreaking power dynamics at play.

As Gracia navigates the uncharted waters of financial independence as a woman, the play captures the essence of her pioneering spirit and resilience. Against a backdrop of societal norms and patriarchal constraints, "The Vulgarity of Grace" offers a gripping portrayal of courage, ambition, and the enduring quest for autonomy.

SHORT PLAY (4F/1M)
"War Council" offers a compelling glimpse into the life of Charity Adams Earley, the pioneering first African-American woman officer in the U.S. Army's Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). The play centers on a pivotal moment as Charity faces a court-martial for defending her battalion against racism during WWII.

As tensions escalate, Charity unites with the women under her command in a courageous stand against institutionalized discrimination. Through their collective resilience and determination, they confront the pervasive racism within the military, forging a powerful narrative of strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.

SHORT PLAY (1F/1M)
"Moon Rabbit" offers a captivating glimpse into the world of real-life WWII spy Noor Inayat Khan. Set against the backdrop of her interview to become a spy, the play artfully weaves elements of Khan's life and her own words with the myth of the rabbit, exploring its significance and the imagery ingrained on the moon. Through this imaginative retelling, audiences are transported into Khan's world of courage, intrigue, and the enduring power of myth.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (2F)
"Down We Go" immerses audiences in the gripping journey of two young women, Andree Borrel and Lise de Baissac, as they grapple with uncertainty and identity amidst the perils of WWII. Set against the backdrop of their imminent parachute mission into Occupied France, the play delves into their final moments before assuming aliases and code names as spies.

In this poignant exploration, Lise and Andree confront their deepest fears and doubts, questioning their ideals, missions, and very identities. As they prepare to embark on a treacherous journey, they discover the essence of their resilience and the potential for courage within themselves. "Down We Go" is a riveting portrayal of the transformative power of adversity, showcasing the indomitable spirit of two extraordinary women in history.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (2F)
Emmeline Pankhurst and Millicent Garrett Fawcett, iconic leaders of the women's suffrage movement, epitomize courage and conviction in the pursuit of equality. Pankhurst's bold activism and Fawcett's strategic diplomacy charted divergent paths toward a shared goal: securing women's right to vote.

As they grapple with differing tactics and ideologies within the suffragette movement, this play imagines a pivotal meeting between these formidable women. At this crossroads, they confront the tension between unity and divergence, grappling with the complexities of reconciling their approaches for the greater good.

Against the backdrop of societal resistance and personal sacrifice, Pankhurst and Fawcett navigate the delicate balance between collaboration and autonomy. Their impassioned debate reverberates with the urgency of history, posing profound questions about solidarity, strategy, and the ultimate quest for a more just world.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (1F/3 M)
In the heart-wrenching drama "When the Scythe Met the Stone," the spotlight falls on Franciszka Mann, a Polish-Jewish ballerina determined to defy the grim specter of the Holocaust. As the shadows of oppression loom large, Franciszka grapples with a stark choice: succumb to the merciless hand of fate or summon the courage to rewrite her destiny.

Caught in the crucible of adversity, Franciszka embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting the formidable barriers of a world dominated by men. Through the delicate artistry of ballet, she finds a powerful voice, transcending the confines of her circumstances to reclaim agency and autonomy.

In a mesmerizing dance between survival and resistance, "When the Scythe Met the Stone" unfolds as a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Franciszka's poignant struggle resonates with timeless significance, inviting audiences to witness the triumph of hope in the face of unimaginable darkness.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (9F/M)
In "Mr. Yo Mama," a young child named Jessie faces relentless bullying on the playground, feeling isolated and helpless. Just when things seem unbearable, an unconventional superhero, Mr. Yo Mama, swoops in to save the day. Armed with a sharp wit and a repertoire of humorous "yo mama" jokes, Mr. Yo Mama uses humor to disarm the bullies and empower Jessie. As Mr. Yo Mama defends the vulnerable with his clever comebacks, the play explores the power of words to heal and challenge the old adage that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Through laughter and resilience, Jessie discovers inner strength and the courage to stand up against bullying.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (2F/1M)
"Devil on the Wall" offers a gripping glimpse into the harrowing world of WWII espionage, focusing on the real-life heroine Hannah Szenes. In this intense ten-minute play, audiences are transported to a pivotal moment as Hannah, captured by Gestapo forces, grapples with an agonizing decision that will define her legacy. With the weight of history bearing down upon her, Hannah must summon all her courage to confront the ultimate test of loyalty and sacrifice.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (1F/1M)
"Infinity of Delight" chronicles the extraordinary love story between Susan Travers and Colonel Marie Pierre Koenig amidst the chaos of WWII. This captivating tale delves into the depths of their whirlwind romance, capturing the fragility of love and the profound ways it shapes and transforms lives. As their journey unfolds, the play navigates the complexities of love, revealing how its meaning evolves and resonates uniquely for each individual.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (2F)
"Heartbeats" immerses audiences in the visceral uncertainty experienced by women in combat during WWII, offering a poignant exploration of intimacy forged amidst the chaos of war. Through the lens of real-life Soviet soldiers Natalia Peshkova and Galya Tchaikovskaya, the play captures a singular moment of connection and camaraderie, highlighting the profound human bonds that defy the brutality of conflict.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY (1F/1M)
"Every Rose" thrusts audiences into the heart of wartime intrigue as a young woman, Eileen Nearne, is ensnared in a perilous web of espionage. Accused of being a spy, she faces torture and interrogation in a French prison, where her resilience and cunning are put to the ultimate test. With her life hanging in the balance, Eileen must navigate a treacherous landscape of secrets and betrayal to ensure her survival in this gripping portrayal of courage and sacrifice during WWII.

TEN MINUTE/SHORT PLAY WITH MUSIC (1F/3M)
"Million Dollar Wounds" plunges audiences into the gripping true story of Elsie Ott, a nurse thrust into the chaos of WWII's first medical evacuation flight with just 24 hours' notice. Facing the daunting challenge of caring for patients with diverse injuries and illnesses, Elsie navigates uncharted skies with courage and compassion. As the play unfolds, it illuminates the profound bonds forged amidst the crucible of war, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of camaraderie in the darkest of times.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (2F)
"All the Rice Paddies in the World" delves into the gripping journey of Grace Harada, a Japanese American torn between her heritage and her citizenship in the tumultuous 1940s. In a country that has turned its back on her, Grace embarks on a courageous fight to reclaim her place, navigating the complexities of identity and belonging in a world fraught with prejudice and injustice.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (1F/1M)

In "Just a Spy," WWII operative Sonia Butt grapples with the weight of a dark secret, threatening the fragile bond of trust with her partner. As she navigates the treacherous terrain of espionage, Sonia's fear of being deemed a liability looms large, testing the limits of their partnership. In a high-stakes game of secrets and survival, Sonia must confront her traumas to safeguard their mission and salvage their relationship.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (2F)
"The Curse of Eve" vividly reimagines the historic rift of 1890, when Elsie Inglis defied convention by breaking away from Sophie Jex-Blake's School of Medicine to champion the rights of women doctors. Amidst the backdrop of societal prejudice, this play delves into the bold actions of two high-profile lesbians, Inglis and Jex-Blake, as they navigate the turbulent waters of gender equality and personal identity in Victorian society.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (2F/1GF)
"The Great Retreat" focuses on a pivotal moment in WWI as real-life queer figures Vera "Jack" Holme, Evelina Haverfield, and Elsie Inglis run an all-women medical unit in Serbia. Faced with a critical decision—to defend themselves or deepen their involvement in the war—their choices will shape the course of history and test the bounds of their courage and commitment.

TEN MINUTE PLAY (2F/1M)
"They Call Me Perseverant" offers a gripping glimpse into the life of real Chinese American Pilot Hazel Ying Lee, as she faces a harrowing ordeal after her plane crashes in a Midwestern field. Stranded and facing suspicion from locals, Hazel must summon all her courage to prove her loyalty as an American patriot, not an enemy invader.

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.