Best laid plans
Wed 29 Nov 2017Of Mice And Men is set during the Great Depression which followed the Wall Street crash of 1929, and tells the story of two ranch workers, clever George and gentle giant Lennie. Like thousands of others at the time, the two are migrants, who have come to California to find work. The two dream of being the able to buy their own ranch, which would give them greater security than they could ever hope to have as hired hands. But the world in which they live is a harsh one, especially for the child-like Lennie.
During his youth, Steinbeck spent his summers working on ranches and farms near to his hometown in California. The character of Lennie is based on one man he met during this period: “I worked in the same country that the story is laid in. Lennie was a real person. He’s in an insane asylum in California right now… He killed a ranch foreman… We couldn’t stop him until it was too late.”
The production will be directed by Guy Unsworth, who has previously worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Being at the helm of this play will undoubtedly be a labour of love for him: “Of Mice And Men is one of the great American stories that has stood the test of time. It’s not only about the Great Depression in 1930s rural America but a timeless tale of loyalty and the struggles for survival in a cruel and competitive world. For me it is also one of the most beautiful stories ever told – both heart-warming and breaking at the same time.”
“I fell in love with it when I studied it as a teenager, so it’s always been on my bucket list to direct, and when I mention the title, so many people have a great fondness for it too. I can’t wait to bring it back to the stage”.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’re actually helping to bring this production to the stage, acting as co-producers alongside Selladoor productions. Whether you already know this timeless classic, or are discovering it for the first time, this production promises to be a treat for lovers of both drama and literature.
Of Mice And Men: Monday 29 January to Saturday 3 February.