WSU offers relevant ‘Grapes of Wrath’
IF YOU GO
Examining the plight of refugees throughout history and around the world has been a recurring and timely theme of Wright State University’s 43rd season.
This continues within the context of a migrating American family fleeing economic oppression in John Steinbeck’s dramatic classic “The Grapes of Wrath,” adapted by Frank Galati and presented in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center through Sunday, Feb. 11.
The winner of the 1939 Pulitzer Prize and 1990 Tony Award, “The Grapes of Wrath” chronicles the poignant and relatable journey of the Joads, Depression-era Oklahoma sharecroppers hoping for a better life further west after their homestead dries up in the Dust Bowl. However, California doesn’t provide the golden opportunities they had hoped for.
“This story is about how we have hopes and we live for our hopes, and no matter how many times hopes are dashed we look to the future and move forward,” said director Marya Spring Cordes, whose WSU directorial credits include “The Music Man” and “The Children’s Hour.”
“But this story just doesn’t stop at the Dust Bowl. Globally, this story is relevant today. And it’s not different people over many eras being displaced from their country. We’re looking at immigration reform being done in this country so that we’re sending people away even though they have been here for years simply because they are undocumented. The relevancy of displacing humanity is ongoing. There’s never been a time in the history of the world that this hasn’t been happening someplace on our globe.”
Cordes says gender and race are not an issue in the storytelling. She feels Steinbeck has provided an equalopportunity landscape ripe for a riveting depiction of humanity.
“The ensemble characters, for instance, are female and may be of mixed race,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who you are in order to tell this story. It speaks to today in trying to find hope on an equal footing for all people, including females and minorities. We also adhere to these conventions so the family can be received into the audience’s hearts as a cohesive unit.”
Balancing grit with theatricality is another factor in Cordes’ vision, especially conveying the aggressiveness of the elements, particularly rain, which is an obstacle for the Joads. Original music by Rick Good and sound designer James Dunlap will accent the story throughout.
“This production is very large in scope, which is exciting,” she said. “We’re using so many parts of the Festival Playhouse that are not used very much. And the costume design has been exquisite as well, especially in addressing how we allow characters to flow in and out of different people while having one cohesive look. Overall, this project speaks to me because it blends my love What: “The Grapes of Wrath”
When: Through Feb. 11; 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Where: Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn
Cost: $22 for adults; $20 for seniors and students
Tickets: Call (937) 775-2500 or visit www. wright.edu/theatretickets
FYI: “First in Flight,” presented in concert form, will be held Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Creative Arts Center. for music and movement in space with dramatic action. It’s very satisfying.”
The artistic team includes set designer Pam KnauertLavarnway, lighting designer Emily Hope, projection designer Matthew Benjamin, costume designer Elizabeth Bourgeois, and properties by John Lavarnway.