Oh What War

Description
In revisiting Joan Littlewood’s 1963 satirical WWI revue, Oh! What a Lovely War, Juggernaut Theatre Company has reduced more than just the title. Shrinking from the challenge of current events, the troupe takes refuge in myopic mental doodling, keeping the original’s historical setting (and some of its songs) for no apparent reason other than gas-mask chic. Peter Ksander’s shelled-out design scheme provides some arresting images; also effective is the periodic release of poison gas—effectively played by dry ice—upon the audience. But to say this play ably simulates the fog of war is not a compliment.