Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

listen live donate
listen live donate
listen live
donate
  • News
    • News

    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    News
    • News

    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • Music

    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic

    • Daily Playlist
    Music
    • Music

    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic

    • Daily Playlist
  • Podcasts & Shows
  • Schedules
  • Events
  • Support
    • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Evergreen Donation
    • One-Time Donation
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Giving
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment Support
    • Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • Member Newsletter

    • Fund drives
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
    Support
    • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Evergreen Donation
    • One-Time Donation
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Giving
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment Support
    • Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • Member Newsletter

    • Fund drives
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • Arts and Lifestyle
  •  

Theatre Review: Journey's End

  •  Jeff Hudson 
Thursday, June 19, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
  

Every scene in the World War I drama “Journey’s End” is set in a dank, muddy underground dugout, where several British officers go through their tedious daily tasks, trying to ignore the occasional German bomb falling somewhere nearby.

It’s hour after hour of mind-numbing boredom in filthy confinement, interrupted – when you least expect it – by the sudden intervention of death. As the days turn into weeks and months, it takes a toll on the men.

Soldier: "You never know, sometimes it’s quiet for hours on end. And then all of a sudden, over she comes. Rifle grenades. Minis. And those horrid little things like pineapples. You knows -- Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Bang!”

Some soldiers lose their sanity. Others, like Captain Stanhope, develop a mean streak.

Stanhope: “Has Hardy gone?”

Osborne: “Yes, he cleared off a few minutes ago.”

Stanhope: “Lucky for him he did, I had a few words to say to Master Hardy. You wouldn’t believe the blasted mess those fellas left the trenches in. Dugouts like cesspits, rusty bombs, damp rifle grenades, impossibly foul. Hi, Mason!”

Mason: "Coming sir! I’m bringing soup.”

Stanhope: “Damn the soup. Bring some whiskey.”

Whiskey is Captain Stanhope’s way of coping, Others feign illness, mental or physical. And there’s one officer who reads aloud from “Alice in Wonderland” –which he maintains, makes as much sense as the war.

Above all, the men keep up a brave front, and avoid talking about who might die in the next German attack. They go to great lengths talking about the tea they’re sipping, or the canned apricots they’re eating. But they can’t stand to discuss the gruesome possibilities the next day might bring.

If Journey’s End has the ring of authenticity – it’s because the man who wrote it was a decorated WWI veteran, who was severely wounded in 1917.  This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the start of World War I. This remarkable play provides a sobering glimpse into the reality of the so-called War To End All Wars.

California Stage presents “Journey’s End" through July 6th at the R25 Arts Center in midtown Sacramento.


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 theatreCalifornia StageWorld War Idrama

Jeff Hudson

Contributing Arts Reporter and Theatre Critic

Jeff Hudson has been contributing arts-related stories to Capital Public Radio since 1995, with an emphasis on theater and classical music. He attends over 100 performances annually, ranging from modern musicals to medieval masses.   Read Full Bio 

 Email Jeff Hudson

More Arts and Lifestyle Stories

Fred Greaves for Solving Sacramento

An experience for all: Sacramento area performing arts venues find new ways to take patrons with disabilities on the stage’s journey

June 2, 2023

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    •  
      (916) 278-8900
    •  
      (877) 480-5900
    •  Contact / Feedback
    •  Submit a Tip / Story Idea
  • About

    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Stations & Coverage Map
    • Careers & Internships
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Press
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile Apps
    • Smart Speakers
    • Podcasts & Shows
    • On-Air Schedules
    • Daily Playlist
    • Signal Status
  • Connect

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen Live

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2023, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.