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Saginaw Valley State University

November 18, 2024

SVSU presents play about forgotten women of World War II

Two students in miliary costume

Saginaw Valley State University is shedding light on an often-forgotten part of World War II with the Theatre Department’s production of “The Night Witches” from Wednesday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Nov. 24.

Written by Rachel Bublitz, “The Night Witches” follows Nina and Vera, two members of the Soviet Union’s 588th night bomber regiment, an all-female unit who flew stealthy missions in planes of canvas and plywood to rain bombs on the Germans throughout the night. The regiment operated from 1941 through 1945, dropping more than 23,000 tons of bombs on Nazi targets.

Fourth-year SVSU student Zoe Gilbert directs the show, which will be performed in SVSU’s Black Box Theatre. A theatre major from Hemlock, Gilbert chose “The Night Witches” to support the work of women in theatre.

“Choosing a script written by was a female playwright a priority for me,” Gilbert said. “I was immediately thrilled at the idea of producing this playwright, this script, and this story through a fully student-led production.”

Featured in the production are:

  • Elliot Bell, a history major from Auburn, as Vera
  • Maddie Casper, a mathematics major from Essexville, as Raisa
  • Haley Huggett, from Bellevue, as Alexandra
  • Isabel Losa, a theatre major from Saginaw, as Polina
  • Scout McCulloch, a communication and theatre major from Port Huron, as Tatyana
  • Emily McGlynn, a creative writing from Cottrellville in St. Clair County, major as Nina
  • Abigail Rowe, a theatre major from Ortonville, as Marta
  • Dana Samalik, a communication and theatre major from Essexville, as Serafina
  • Veronica Vozniak, a mathematics major from Auburn, as Irina
  • Abby Yearta, a theatre major from Frankenmuth, as Valentina

Although “The Night Witches” marks Gilbert’s first time directing a full-length production, she has been heavily involved in SVSU theatre since her first year.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work on almost every production here since 2021, in a wide range of positions involving directing, choreography, stage management, house management, publicity, various design roles, and so on. Having the well-rounded experience that the SVSU Theatre Department can provide equips me to lead and encourage a team of creatives coming from all disciplines within our craft.”

Performances for “The Night Witches” are Wednesday, Nov. 20-Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online or in person at the box office.