The Night Witches - 11f
The Night Witches of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment flew in planes made of canvas and wood, and they dropped bombs on Germans every 15 minutes through the night to keep their enemy from sleeping. They were constantly being shuffled and moved to perform new duties; mechanics became navigators, navigators became pilots, and pilots became 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, to the sky they must go. Tonight, however, 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.
Labels: big cast, family, historical
posted by Larisa at 5:15 PM
4 Comments:
I enjoyed this script a lot-- I am familiar with war and battle-themed movies, but I haven't seen a play's approach to the topic. There is a lot of potential for interesting staging and technical effects with this production, given that much of the play takes place in moving airplanes dodging searchlights and gunfire. The play definitely takes a pro-Stalin perspective. I was not very invested in the personal lives of each character, given the size of the cast and how short some of their stories are before sudden death. I would keep this on the table and be interested to hear others' thoughts.
I found this an interesting read, mostly because I was intrigued by the history of these women, but I don't think I would be interested in seeing a production. While it is impossible to not have respect and admiration for the historical contributions and sacrifices these women made, I must admit that given the current situation with Ukraine I found it disturbing to ponder Russian combat heroics. And the manner in which the women referred to their German enemies, while probably historically accurate, was also disturbing. So, it's a no for me.
These were my comments when I gave Larisa my thumbs up:
Overall, I like it. It’s a great women-empowerment story. And I like how creative a production this could be from a blocking/choreography and design standpoint. It’s minimalistic and flexible. I just wonder how conservatives and people who grew up with red-scare propaganda will feel about it (especially if we are thinking of this being our "family play").
Love the casting note about diversity. Love that this play is for people playing female roles.
Unfortunately, I can just hear people (like my dad) saying, “Why are we rooting for Soviets?" and "This just seems like Russian propaganda to me.” The enthusiastic patriotism of the characters could create bias/generational-trauma responses in some patrons.
The footrace scene might be difficult to block in our space. It calls for six actors to race all at once, and I have some challenges seeing that done in a realistic manner in our voms. At least, I don’t think it will look realistic to the race the script implies they are having.
The planes create a lot of potential for dynamic movement/choreo and design (sound and lights). Love that.
I am aware through my work at Six Points Theater that there is at least a small presence of Russian immigrants in the Twin Cities area. This play might really resonate with some of them!
I like it! But not for next season. With Silent Sky and Men in Boats both being done this season I think we need to be weary of pushing an agenda.
I also agree with Kristen about people’s feelings about the Ukraine.
Overall - just not the right time for me to support.
Post a Comment
<< Home