4 STARS
It’s not often that a performance has the capability to make you abruptly stop and think, but The Nottingham Playhouse’s production of John Steinbeck’s classic novel did exactly this. The play documented one family’s journey across 1930’s America, and the desperation of their migration. Director Abbey Wright and Adapter Frank Galati transformed this American classic into a criticism of modern migration. Despite its traditional setting, characters dressed in dungarees and flat caps were offset by others dressed in modern day tracksuits and jeans, creating a harrowing reminder of the fate of those suffering in the migrant crisis.
The staging was kept simple, but very clever with two moving structures emphasising the drifting nature of the family’s fate. One feature that must be mentioned was the use of music and singing within the play. A live band echoed the events on stage, alongside excellent singing narration by Alexander Newland. Music helped break up the dramatic and heart wrenching scenes presented, and also added an individual twist to the performance.
Two actors who stood out for me were Charlie Folorusho playing ‘Pa’ and Julia Swift playing ‘Ma’. The two had an amazing connection on stage, which made the story of their family so much more powerful. The whole cast in fact was compelling, with some even taking on multiple roles with ease. This combination of a skilful cast, and brilliant lighting and effects, created scenes of incredibly spell bounding suspense keeping the audience gripped throughout. The performance had such a current resonance, and was adapted perfectly to provide such a political comment on the treatment of migrants within society. I would recommend anyone to see this performance, running until the 8th of April. I’m sure it will keep me thinking for a long time yet.
Edited by: Jessica Greaney