WHAT: The Grapes of Wrath
WHERE: Jacksonville University Swisher Theatre
WHEN: February 14 - 24
With all of the recent talk of a recession, maybe it is time to take a look on the bright side. At least there is no talk of another Great Depression. The hard times of the Great Depression and its effects on the lives of poor Dust Bowl sharecroppers was heralded in song by the legendary Woody Guthrie and chronicled to the world through the words of John Steinbeck’s Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath.
Jacksonville University’s Theatre Arts brings the story of the Joads, a poor family of sharecroppers driven from their home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry to the newly renovated Swisher Theatre. In a nearly hopeless situation, the Joads set out for California’s Central Valley along with thousands of other Okies in search of land, jobs and dignity.
“The students have had a real history lesson in preparation for the performance,” explains Director Debbie Jordan, who also notes that the students have also studied the economic themes in Grapes of Wrath and how they’re relatable today. “As far as its significance to current events, we have discussed global warming and taking care of the land. We are also making connections to the downturn in the market and talk about economic recession.”
John Steinbeck’s 1939 landmark novel about Oklahoma farmers forced to become migrant workers in California won a Nobel Prize for Literature then a Pulitzer Prize in 1940 and was made into a critically acclaimed movie starring Henry Fonda that same year. In 1988, Frank Galati adapted the work for the stage for his fellow actors in Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
This play of poverty and struggle becomes, in the final scene, a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of the indomitability of the human spirit, and of the essential goodness and strength, which resides in the hearts and minds of the common man.
Performances will be held on February 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 pm, on February 20 at 9:30 am, and on February 24 at 2:30 pm. Admission to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, military and students. Admission is free for JU students and faculty with appropriate ID. For more information, including scheduling, reservations and directions, please call (904) 256-7677.
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