A CHURCH in Oxford is to mark the 96th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a play showing the conflict from a German soldier’s perspective.

Members of Highfield Residents’ Association have organised a production of All Quiet on the Western Front to take place at All Saints' Church, in Lime Walk, Headington, at 7.30pm on Friday.

It is based on the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, an author conscripted to the German army aged 18 in June 1917.

The book tells the story of the generation of men who went to the First World War but struggled to readjust to civilian life.

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Remarque wrote in its preface: “It will try simply to tell of a generation of men who, even though they may have escaped shells, were destroyed by the war.”

Wheatley-based company Black Fox will perform the play, which is being sponsored by Highfield Residents’ Association.

Committee member Patrick Coulter said: “This will be a unique performance by first class musicians and artists.

“We hope Headington residents will join us for a memorable evening of music, poetry and reflection.

“Black Fox performed at Towersey Festival and got a really good reception, so we said we would like to have them.

“It’s very interesting, because it is from the German point of view, but also universal, because men on both sides of the trenches suffered because of the war.

“It has an anti-war message.”

It is hoped the performance will attract an audience of hundreds, Mr Coulter said.

He added: “It’s a great way to mark the outbreak of the First World War in a way that isn’t at all typical.”

The church is hosting the special event in the week that Armistice Day, on Tuesday, marks the end of the First World War.

It was consecrated in May 1910, just four years befre the war began, after residents in Headington had outgrown a smaller chapel in Perrin Street.

The parish of Highfield was formed the next month.

  • Tickets for Friday's performance cost £5 (adult), £3 (students) and under 16s may enter free. Proceeds from the night will go to the charity Help for Heroes.

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