Oh What a Lovely War: social context – A Level Drama and Theatre OCR Revision

Wider Historical Context

“Oh What a Lovely War” was developed in the 1960s, amidst significant social and political fluctuations globally.
The play was created during a time when the Cold War was escalating, contributing to a renewed fear and revulsion of military conflict worldwide.
Furthermore, the development period was marked by the rise in anti-establishment sentiments and growing protest movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S, which influenced the play’s satirical critique of power structures.

The play was significant in changing attitudes and perspectives towards World War I, highlighting its destructive nature and questioning the rationale behind it.
The use of black comedy and satire was pivotal in communicating the horror and futility of war to audiences, a stark contrast to the conventional patriotic presentation of war.
The play’s successful blend of historical facts with entertainment contributed to the ongoing debates about war and militarism during the 60s.

Despite the play’s satirical tone, it effectively illustrated the real, significant changes caused by World War I, including the shift in gender roles, as women took on roles previously held by men, triggering a social and cultural shift.
Class distinctions were also made prominent in the play. The war was a catalyst for class mobility, although it’s also noted that officers were primarily upper class, highlighting class inequalities.
Propaganda is a key theme in the play, illustrating its role in controlling public opinion and maintaining morale during the war.

The play was created by the Theatre Workshop, an innovative company known for its collaborative creation process, political engagement, and use of various theatrical forms.
The company was part of the British New Wave in theatre, committed to depicting current realities and providing social commentary.
The devising process for the play was collective and involved extensive research. This highlighted the company’s dedication to creating work that is not only entertaining but also educationally and socially relevant.