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A Concert behind the Lines by Fortunino Matania
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A Concert behind the Lines by Fortunino Matania
Somewhere in France - a concert behind the lines. A concert troupe or divisional entertainment company often made up of a mix of professional and amateur actors, entertaining Allied troops on the Western Front. Here the entertainers are dressed convincingly in drag. There were a number of troupes including the Whizzbangs, the Verey Lights and The Duds. Date: 1915
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Media ID 11398014
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Actors Audience Behind Concert Concerts Divisional Drag Entertainers Entertaining Fortunino Lines Makeshift Matania Singing Troupe
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Captivating Moment of Joy and Camaraderie: A Concert Behind the Lines during World War I This evocative black-and-white photograph, titled 'A Concert Behind the Lines,' captures a unique and heartwarming moment during the tumultuous years of the First World War. The image, created by renowned Italian war artist Fortunino Matania in 1915, depicts a makeshift concert taking place somewhere in France. The scene unfolds as a concert troupe or divisional entertainment company, a mix of professional and amateur actors, delights Allied troops with an impromptu performance. The entertainers, dressed in drag, are seen on stage, engrossed in their act, while an attentive and appreciative audience of soldiers looks on, some clapping and others lost in the music. The soldiers' expressions convey a sense of relief and joy, a welcome respite from the harsh realities of life on the Western Front. During the war, various troupes such as the Whizzbangs, the Verey Lights, and The Duds provided entertainment for the troops. These companies brought a sense of normalcy and morale-boosting cheer to the soldiers, often performing in makeshift theaters or even in the open air. The performances ranged from music and comedy to drama and magic, and the entertainers went to great lengths to ensure their audiences were entertained. This photograph, with its poignant depiction of soldiers finding solace in the arts, serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's ability to find joy and connection even in the most challenging of circumstances. The image is a testament to the power of art and entertainment to bring people together, to lift spirits, and to create memories that last a lifetime.
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