Joan Littlewood was a prominent British theatre director and playwright, known for her innovative approach to theatre. Born on October 6, 1914, in London, she played a significant role in the development of the Theatre Workshop, which she co-founded in 1945. Littlewood was celebrated for her ability to blend social issues with entertainment, often focusing on working-class stories. Her most famous work, Oh, What a Lovely War!, premiered in 1963 and is a satirical musical about World War I. Littlewood's contributions to theatre earned her recognition as a pioneer of modern British theatre, influencing generations of artists and directors.