Describe the Night

Winter 2022 — Contemporary

Directed By Aria Schuler ‘22

WRITTEN BY RAJIV JOSEPH

Set over 90 years of Russian history, Describe The Night, by Rajiv Joseph, tracks the relationship and legacy of historical figures Isaac Babel, a writer, and Nikolai Yezhov, an NKVD officer known as “Stalin’s Bloody Dwarf.” Exploring the bloodlines and identities that bind them together, the characters transcend time to explore perception of truth and connection.

In 1920, the Russian writer Isaac Babel wanders the countryside with the Red Cavalry. Seventy years later, a mysterious KGB agent spies on a woman in Dresden and falls in love. In 2010, an aircraft carrying most of the Polish government crashes in the Russian city of Smolensk. Set in Russia over the course of 90 years, this thrilling and epic new play traces the stories of seven men and women connected by history, myth and conspiracy theories.

About the Director

Aria Schuler is a senior with a Theatre BA, Communication Design minor, who is ecstatic to bring this beautiful story to life with such an incredible, talented, and kind cast and crew. During her time at USC, Aria has been able to produce, write, and act, but directing this show has truly been one of the best college experiences that speaks to the power and community of ISPs, where you have the best people at the top of their game.

Thank you to my amazing family, this superb team, my lovely #2 Peren, ATC, and 1207 & friends (esp. Violet Ko) for the emotional support…we all know I need a lot of it.