|
Imagine Moulin Rouge meets All Quiet on the Western Front. This is the journey Theatre South Carolina will take in its staging of the World War I-inspired Oh! What a Lovely War at Longstreet Theater Nov. 9-17.
 |
| Joan Littlewood |
The satirical musical was written by Joan Littlewood (1914-2002), a creative force of the British theatre in the 1950s and 1960s. The play relies on colorful musical numbers, jokes, and period dances to advance the drama. "Oh! What a Lovely War" and "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" are two of the play's cheeky musical numbers. The play's poignant, yet comical, examination of war continues to transcend time from its first staging in 1963 through the Vietnam Era to today's War on Terrorism.
"Theatre South Carolina seeks to capture the energy and poignancy of yesteryear, immersing the audience in a soldier's view of war," said Jim Hunter, chair of the Department of Theater and Dance. "This play reveals the strength and courage of those who serve on the front lines. Their experiences, while nearly a century ago, still resonate strongly today."
 |
| Robert Richmond |
Robert Richmond, a visiting theater professor, will direct. Originally from Hastings, England, Richmond studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He served as associate artistic director of the Aquila Theatre Company of New York for 14 years and has directed more than 30 productions, including classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Julius Caesar.
Local musician Beth Meers is musical director. Set design is by Carl Hamilton, a second-year MFA candidate; costumes are by Corinne Robinson, also a second-year MFA candidate.
The cast, which features five main roles and an ensemble of 15 members, is composed entirely of students, ranging from freshmen to second-year graduate students.
This fall, the University has offered a variety of arts programming centered on World War I to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the United States' entry into the Great War. Events have included museum exhibitions and a symposium.
10/07
|
Scene from Theatre South Carolina's production of Oh! What a Lovely War.
