2017 marks the centenary of the 3rd Battle of Ypres – more commonly known as Passchendaele – infamous not only for the scale of casualties, but also for the mud. The campaign lasted from 31 July to 10 November 1917 and cost the lives of nearly half a million men – both Allies and German – in some of the worst conditions experienced in WW1.
Before the infantry attack, British artillery fired 4 million shells on the German lines. In the first 3 days of the attack, the area was saturated with the heaviest rain in thirty years and the region effectively became a swamp. The initial bombardment had destroyed the drainage system and created huge shell craters which filled with water and the fields through which men should have advanced became impassable. Tanks got stuck. Men and horses drowned.
With a cast of performers all over the age of 55, Portsmouth Poetry, The New Theatre Royal Players and Dancers, together with the School of Creative Technology at the University of Portsmouth, have created a performance in remembrance of the soldiers’ sacrifice. The performance, inspired by the works of Wilfred Owen and other WW1 writers, presents the human cost of Passchendaele through words, music, dance and images. The cast are joined by the “Recharge” singing workshop from Portsmouth Guildhall.
The event, which is part of the Portsmouth Festivities, takes place in the wonderful space of Portsmouth Cathedral and complements the exhibition “They Called it Passchendaele” created by Portsmouth Poetry also showing at the Cathedral during the Festivities. The title “The Angels Cry” comes from the lyrics of Iron Maiden’s powerful song “Passchendaele”
“The Angels Cry” – A Performance in Remembrance of Passchendaele is presented by Portsmouth Poetry. The performance is grant-aided by Arts Council of England and is also supported by the Portsmouth Festivities, The New Theatre Royal and Portsmouth Cathedral.
The performance is held at Portsmouth Cathedral on Tuesday 20th June at 8pm. Tickets are £6, click here to book online or call the Festivities Box Office on 023 9282 8282.
For further information contact: Liz Weston Artistic Director 07790835869