Pretending to Fly
re-imagined documentary theater
Image courtesy of Samantha Szekely
Summer 2020, NYC. Roommates Kaitlyn and Frances, months into the COVID lockdown, escape onto their rooftop and try to hold the pieces of their friendship - and their sanity - together. Finding distraction in the tales of Carla Horowitz, a Women Airforce Service Pilot of WWII, and the main subject of Kaitlyn’s thesis, what present day truths will the women uncover while trying to lose themselves in the past? Based on actual interviews with Carla and residents of NYC during the pandemic, Infinite Variety Productions intertwines the story of three women's lives, in a narrative that explores the unspoken sides of history.
An original production from Infinite Variety Productions
Written by Ashley Adelman
Script consultants/editors: Kate Szekely, Kristen Hasty, Marie Davis, Niki Hatzidis
Based on interviews with Carla Howard Horowitz and various NYC residents, as conducted by Ashley Adelman
Run time of 55 minutes
Themes: nostalgia, WWII, aviation history, loss
Production History
2020: The COVID-19 lockdowns prompt playwright Ashley Adelman to re-examine her interview with WWII Women Airforce Service Pilot Carla Howard Horowitz. Ashley additionally begins to interview New Yorkers about their experience in the city at the height of the pandemic. A first draft is created.
Fall 2020: Ashley Adelman, Sam Robbins and Kate Szekely begin workshopping the first draft of the script on Zoom and in outdoor spaces. A reading is held through Frigid NYC on Zoom.
Spring 2021: A proof of concept filmed production happens at the Kraine Theater. Created with the help of Raqi Lily, Derin Thorpe and Andrew Dunn.
December 2021: A workshopped production, then titled Can We Talk? is staged at the Kraine Theater. Directed by Ashley Adelman. Starring Marie Davis and Kristin Hasty. Stage managed and produced by Kelly Teaford.
2022: Play goes through re-writes. The decision to bring to Edinburgh Fringe is made. The title changes from Can We Talk? to Pretending to Fly.
January-July 2023: Play is workshopped on Zoom in the early half of the year. Spring and Summer see the play brought to its feet in-person in New York City. Collaborators during this period include Ashley Adelman, Kate Szekely, Chrystal Bethell, Niki Hatzidis, Malena Montaño, Carina Don, and Marie Davis.
July 2023: NYC previews at Under St Marks Theatre.
August 2023: International premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival — theSpace At Symposium Hall Annexe Venue 45.