John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is among America’s most acclaimed political novels. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1940, the Nobel prize for literature in 1962, and John Ford’s filmed version won the 1940 Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director; the film is considered among Henry Fonda’s finest performances.
The story follows the travails of the Joad clan, migrant farm labourers who attempt to escape the grinding poverty of the Oklahoma dust bowl disaster of the 1930’s in search of a chance to pick fruit in an imagined California Shangri-la of green fields and little white houses. The family slowly falls apart – through desertion, incarceration, unemployment, hunger, and death.
Although three hours in length, the National Theatre production is engaging throughout and maintains a lively pace. The 20 plus characters are distinctly drawn and the focus of the action is always clear– not an easy task with such a large cast of characters. The smartly designed set brings us from the dusty plains of Oklahoma, onboard an over-loaded jalopy, through crowded migrant encampments, or alongside a cooling riverbank. Dramatic moments are punctuated by stop-action staging and effective lighting.
The characterisations are true to their times – hugging and touching between parent and child is non-existent, people stoically surviving unimaginable hardships and deprivation, grief is an indulgence. Yet certain moments still sting with anguish, particularly the deaths and burials of family members.
The protagonist is Tom Joad, adeptly played by Harry Treadaway, who neatly captures a man whose kindly exterior masks an explosive anger that is easily ignited by injustice. The personal becomes political as Tom becomes more involved in the labour movement and his fight for social justice.
Cherry Jones, as Ma Joad, combines fervent optimism with steely practicality, as she focuses single-mindedly on moving the family safely to their destination. Although thwarted at every turn, Ms. Jones retains an indomitable spirit as the family’s sage and moral compass. Many will recognise her from her role in HBO’s mega-hit, “Succession.” But Ms. Jones has a long pedigree on Broadway, TV and regional American theatre garnering Tonys, Emmys and accolades along the way, and here again brings a grace and honesty to her work.
What deepens the pathos and elevates this production is the addition of a musical quartet who provide an emotional outpouring of period sounding tunes and up-to-date lyrics by Maimuna Memon. Excellently fronted by Ms Memon, the band strolls on stage between and within scenes. Their emotive keening provides a pathway for us to experience what the characters, themselves, may not fully comprehend or feel.
The play also strikes a tone for issues still relevant today – the hardships of poverty, society’s treatment of migrants, and the exploitation of low-wage workers by large business. The final tableau is a poignant reminder the indomitability of the human spirit.
Based on the novel by John Steinbeck
Adapted by Frank Galati
Director: Carrie Cracknell
Set Designer: Alex Eales
Original Songs by: Maimuna Memon
Cast includes: Harry Treadaway, Cherry Jones, Greg Hicks, Natey Jones
Running Time: Approx 3 hours including one 20 minute interval
Until: Sat 14 September 2024
Photo credit: Richard Hubert Smith