Dramatist’s view of First World War
“Oh What a Lovely War” is an ambitious but successful production by the drama workshop of the Christchurch Teachers’ College secondary division. Directed by Don McAra and Sue Lister, the play begins with a group of pierrots who play a “war game” under the direction of their leader, convincingly played bv Geoffrey Shepherd. The play goes on to show the thinking of each country involved in the First World War, and although sometimes mocking the actions of war, it brings alive much of the hardship and courage shown.
The audience is able to feel part of the action because of its nearness to the stage area. A large screen gives newscasts of developments in the war and shows pictures of those who fought. There is humour, such as when a sergeant-major gives his men bayonet drill, and
when German and English soldiers sing to each other from their respective trenches.
Much of the play is told by song, under the musical direction of Richard Prowse. Musical numbers include, “I Want to Go Home,” “Pack up Your Troubles," and “Keep the Homes Fires Burning.” The costumes throughout are excellent from the red and white pierrot costumes to the khaki soldiers’ uniforms.
The sound of guns and falling shells is most effective, and good use is made of lighting. The stage area is used to the full. The 16 members of the cast often played several roles proving their versatility, and a 11 used their Voices well. Iris McNav was an excellent Mrs Pankhurst and Matthew Lysaght an amusing sergeant-major. —Margaret Butler
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19760708.2.40
Bibliographic details
Press, 8 July 1976, Page 6
Word Count
266Dramatist’s view of First World War Press, 8 July 1976, Page 6
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Copyright in all Footrot Flats cartoons is owned by Diogenes Designs Ltd. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise these cartoons and make them available online as part of this digitised version of the Press. You can search, browse, and print Footrot Flats cartoons for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Diogenes Designs Ltd for any other use.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.