During the Second World War, the Soviet Union established an all-female aviation team. FIRE EMBERS ASH is the remarkable story of the courage and bravery every single female faced every day in the courageous team, doing their part for the War.

The story is told by one of the surviving team Natalya Mekiln (Yvonne Maxwell). Staged in the style of an old-fashioned filmed cinecamera newsreel. The stories of how some of these ladies lived and died during the War are extremely effective. The lighting adds effective theatrical storytelling as the pilots take to the sky to defend their country.

The balance of characters ranges from the rebel Lydia (Maya Waghorn) whose bleached hair and make-up break the uniform rules, yet her outstanding abilities within the team and likeable charisma allow things to be overlooked. To the naive scientist Yevgenia (Maria Masonou) who is teased by the other ladies for her inexperience with the opposite sex.

FIRE EMBERS ASH brings a part of history to the stage which isn’t necessarily part of the common narrative spoken about when history is reflected upon and taught in school. The stories of such courage of the hundreds of women who were part of the team are certainly worthy of being remembered.

Director Stephen Smith has honoured their memories and courageous stories with respect and care.

For more information on this play and future productions at Barons Court Theatre please use the link below.

Four Stars.

https://www.baronscourttheatre.com/

CAST:

Henriette Laursen as Marina Raskova

Maria Masonou as Yevgeniya Rudneva

Yvonne Maxwell as Natalya Meklin

Stephanie Van Driesen as Nadezhda Popova

Maya Waghorn as Lydia Litvyak



Production Assistant – Jake Venet



Sound Design by Stephen Smith

with thanks to Jack Garrett



Lighting Design by Stephen Smith

with technical support from Eddie Stephens



Projection, Costume and Set Design

by Stephen Smith



Music composed by Joseph Furey



Directed by Stephen Smith