The Cambridge Companion to British Theatre of the First World War

This book is the first comprehensive guide to British theatre's engagement with the First World War over the last century, from 1900 to the Armistice Day centenary in 2018. It provides a contextual grounding in the prelude to the conflict and coverage of post-war plays as well as wartime performances, and explores diverse genres and practices. It establishes theatre as a vital means of understanding wartime experiences and a central feature in commemoration and remembrance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This is the first comprehensive guide to British theatre's engagement with the First World War over the last century, from 1900 to the Armistice Day centenary in 2018. Considering theatre as both an industry and literary-cultural artform, it provides a contextual grounding in the prelude to the conflict and coverage of post-war plays as well as wartime performances. Lively chapters from leading scholars explore diverse genres and practices, from Shakespeare to melodrama, while focusing on topics including regionality, national identity, propaganda, commemoration, gender, censorship, and international influences. Presenting original scholarship in an accessible and engaging manner, this Companion establishes theatre as a vital means of understanding wartime experiences, and a central feature in commemoration and remembrance.

Theatre has played a significant role in commemorating and understanding the First World War over the past century. From its earliest stages in the 19th century, theatre has been used to explore the themes of war, conflict, and national identity. As the war approached, theatre became a powerful tool for propaganda, with plays and musicals used to promote the war effort and encourage enlistment.

During the war, theatre was used to portray the experiences of soldiers on the front line, as well as the civilians who were affected by the conflict. Plays such as "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Journey's End" were particularly powerful in conveying the sense of horror and loss that the war brought.

After the war, theatre continued to be used to explore the legacy of the war. Plays such as "The Kitchen" and "The Weir" examined the emotional and psychological effects of war on individuals and communities.

In recent years, as the centenary of the war approaches, theatre has become even more important in commemorating the events of the First World War. Plays such as "The War Horse" and "The National Theatre's production of "War Horse" have toured the world, bringing the story of the war to a new generation.

Theatre has also been used to explore the impact of the war on gender and sexuality. Plays such as "Mrs. Wilson's War" and "The Women's War" have examined the experiences of women during the war, and how they were affected by the conflict.

In conclusion, theatre has played a vital role in commemorating and understanding the First World War over the past century. From its earliest stages in the 19th century to its use as a tool for propaganda during the war, and its continued exploration of the legacy of the war in the years since, theatre has been a powerful means of conveying the human cost of war and promoting understanding and empathy.

Theatre has played a significant role in commemorating and understanding the First World War over the past century. From its earliest stages in the 19th century, theatre has been used to explore the themes of war, conflict, and national identity. As the war approached, theatre became a powerful tool for propaganda, with plays and musicals war used to promote the war effort and encourage enlistment.

During the war, theatre was used to portray the experiences of soldiers on the front line, as well as the civilians who were affected by the conflict. Plays such as "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Journey's End" were particularly powerful in conveying the sense of horror and loss that the war brought.

After the war, theatre continued to be used to explore the legacy of the war. Plays such as "The Kitchen" and "The Weir" examined the emotional and psychological effects of war on individuals and communities.

In recent years, as the centenary of the war approaches, theatre has become even more important in commemorating the events of the First World War. Plays such as "The War Horse" and "The National Theatre's production of "War Horse" have toured the world, bringing the story of the war to a new generation.

Theatre has also been used to explore the impact of the war on gender and sexuality. Plays such as "Mrs. Wilson's War" and "The Women's War" have examined the experiences of women during the war, and how they were affected by the conflict.

In conclusion, theatre has played a vital role in commemorating and understanding the First World War over the past century. From its earliest stages in the 19th century to its use as a tool for propaganda during the war, and its continued exploration of the legacy of the war in the years since, theatre has been a powerful means of conveying the human cost of war and promoting understanding and empathy.

Weight: 437g
ISBN-13: 9781108722766