Oh What a Lovely War: stage directions

Oh What a Lovely War: stage directions

Understanding Stage Directions

  • In “Oh What a Lovely War”, stage directions play an indispensable role to portray the futility of World War I. Littlewood’s direction uses a unique blend of realism and abstraction to bring to life the atmosphere of the trenches and the home front.

Non-Verbal Communication

  • The silent drill at the beginning is an example of stage direction that initiates the critique on militarism. The precision and uniformity of the soldiers highlight the dehumanising effects of war.
  • Physical actions like marching, dancing and battles are significant stage directions that communicate the realities of war to the audience without needing dialogue.

Symbolic Use of Props

  • Props like pierrot costumes and military gear carry symbolic meaning. The pierrot costumes symbolise innocence, gaiety, and spectatorship, while the military gear represent the harsh realities of war and power.
  • The End of Act card that displays casualty numbers is a powerful prop that breaks the fourth wall and directly informs the audience about the human cost of war.

Stage and Lighting

  • The use of a revolving stage demonstrates the confusion of war and allows abrupt scene changes, enhancing the chaotic reality of war.
  • Lighting is used selectively to control mood and focus audience attention. For instance, dimming the lights during the Christmas Truce scenes creates a sense of unity and tranquillity, juxtaposed with the bright, harsh lighting of battle scenes.

Choreographic Devices

  • Choreographic devices are used to create certain effects. Parades and drills represent military discipline and order, while the ragtag, haphazard movements of the soldiers in battle scenes expose the disorder and chaos of war.
  • A key moment is when the soldiers step out of rhythm during marching scenes, symbolising resistance and individuality.

Use of Sound and Music

  • Musical direction is crucial in conveying the satirical tone of the play. Upbeat, cheerful music accompanies nightmarishly gruesome scenes, creating a juxtaposition that highlights the irony and futility of war.
  • The repeated refrain “Oh! It’s a Lovely War” changes in context and meaning throughout the play, embodying the shifting realities and sentiments of war.