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The Grapes of Wrath follows the Joad family on their ill fated road trip from Oklahoma, during the depression years, as they head to the “promised land” of California.

Three generations of Joad’s leave on the family truck, including their son Tom, who has jumped parole, and their daughter Rose of Sharon, who is heavily pregnant.  Taking all their worldly possessions with them, they head for California with the promise of work and a better life for all, where the peaches, oranges and  cotton are just waiting for someone to pick them.

Unfortunately arriving in California things are even worse, as hundreds of thousands of other families have also made the same journey, only to find there are insufficient jobs, food, and the authorities operate outside the law.

Throughout the play there is a feeling of despair, as the family fall apart, either through sickness, arrests, trying to find a better future, and even death.  However at the same time there is a sense of never ending hope as the family move from one camp to the next, especially from Ma.  She quickly makes her position as head of the family, and decision maker, abundantly clear, much to the reluctant acceptance of her husband.

The play is written for a cast of 16 (10M 6F) involving some doubling, and preferably children in addition to add to the ensemble scenes.  A large part of the play is underscored by mood music, and there are some ensemble numbers written in, therefore it would be beneficial if some cast members can sing and/or play musical instruments.

Staging and set seem simple initially until you realise the importance of the family truck, which does not have to work, but does have to be able to move to give the impression of travelling and creating different locations.  The 2006 production had the vehicle on a revolve to allow the repositioning and create the illusion of movement.

So if your group is looking for a light hearted comedy then do not read this, however if you are up for a challenge and a play for the actors to get enjoyment from, as well as the audience, then I would suggest you give Grapes of Wrath a chance.

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