Cry Havoc by Allan R. Kenward

It’s an era that has come and gone, but memories of World War II are brought to life in Peace College Theatre’s production of Cry Havoc. Allan R. Kenward’s 1942 play takes audiences on a journey through the lives of 13 war nurses in the the Bataan area of the Philippines. The play, written prior to the historical Bataan Death March in 1943, paints a fierce picture of driving war and the grim drama of doomed women. In a pseudo dugout subjected to gunfire, the individual characters emerge to offer a collective reaction to war. These include the strong-minded doctor, her restrained and poised assistant and the volunteer nurses: a vacuous Southern girl, a swaggering bully, a couple of shy students, an ex-burlesque girl and the inevitable spy. They get on each other’s nerves, and confront the traitor. This is a compelling, caustic revelation of human beings under fire.

Peace College Associate Professor of Theatre, Dr. Kenny Gannon directs the play and admits he chooses works that not only challenge his students, but the audience as well. “It’s a well written World War II period piece and gives our students a chance to connect to the history and also with the women of the war. I always want to do good plays if not great ones. I want them to be honest and well written. I want to reflect some truth and some humanity”, says Gannon.