Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre presents “Decision Height,” a historical drama written by Meredith Dayna Levy about a woman who leaves home to serve her country during World War II as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP).
This period piece, with performances scheduled for April 1-5, 2025, at the Studio 60 Theatre in the MSU Auditorium Building, follows a group of ambitious and resilient WASP members who fight for a place at the table in history.
“This play gives recognition to the women who were instrumental in the war effort but were overlooked for decades, even after receiving World War II Victory Medals in 1984 and being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009 by President Obama,” said Addy Vanderbur, dramaturg and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences major.
Women Airforce Service Pilots flew every type of aircraft used in World War II, from lightweight trainers to the aircraft that dropped the nuclear bombs, but despite their training with these planes, they never saw combat. Instead, they were in charge of ferrying planes from the factories to training bases, testing planes and weaponry, and instructing male cadets so their male counterparts could fight overseas. Though the WASPs never saw combat, 38 of them died during World War II.
The 15 student cast members and talented creative team of singers, stage managers, and faculty mentors seek to honor and recognize WASPs through the five scheduled “Decision Height” performances.
Directed by Alexis Black, Assistant Professor of Acting Movement in the Department of Theatre at MSU, “Decision Height” also reminds viewers that history can sometimes repeat itself. Black and Assistant Director Rileigh Belle Wine emphasizes that the fight against oppression, fascism, and injustice did not end with World War II because the fight for freedom, equality, and democracy continues even in the current political landscape.
“Decision Height challenges us to ask: how do we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us? And what are we willing to stand for as our future unfolds?”
Alexis Black, Assistant Professor of Acting Movement
“As we witness rising threats to these principles, Decision Height challenges us to ask: how do we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us? And what are we willing to stand for as our future unfolds?” Black said.
Black encourages the community to see the performance and be reminded of the women’s commitment to their values despite troubling and uncertain times.
“May their strength inspire us to face our own battles with the same tenacity and heart,” Black said.
Acknowledging that several women of color were not able to join WASP, despite having the patriotism and skills, because of historical systemic barriers, Black also reminds viewers to honor not only the WASP members depicted in the play but also the disadvantaged women who were denied the opportunity to serve their country but made impacts in their own way.
Performance Dates and Times:
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 4, 2025, at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 8 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets for “Decision Height” can be purchased online through the Wharton Center website, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, or by calling (517) 432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.
Pricing:
- General Admission: $10
- MSU Student: $10 or Free with MSU ID
For information on other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/category/dept-of-theatre
