Description
Book SynopsisAugust 1914: Germany declares war. The British military recruitment drive for World War I swings into action, and young women shame the young men who don't join up as cowards. Moving to the trenches, the play portrays the shock and tedium of those caught up in the terrible conflict, from the ordinary soldier, to volunteer nurses, to the officers faced with an impossible task of winning a few yards of territory on the battlefield. Getting home-leave to "Blighty" becomes an essential respite for war-weary young soldiers who long to escape from the trauma of their experiences.
Trade ReviewDr. Jeffrey Grenfell-Hill has created a multi-episodic and versatile dramatic script not only for a full- scale production of " Blighty " but as a teaching resource which can be used by classroom drama teachers or, indeed, by those who have the opportunity for cross- curricular teaching . Given that schools continue to include considerable aspects of World War 1, this dramatic text is suitable for upper primary and secondary classes. There is every possibility that " acting out " the text could encourage those disillusioned learners to be drawn to the emotional impact of war through their drama lessons. This play script is equally suitable for youth and adult productions in the community. The author's substantial historical knowledge and experience as a drama teacher, lecturer and examiner comes to the fore in this most recent of his work as a practitioner. --John Rhys Thomas, former headteacher.
