Of Mice And Men is a classic story of rural life that lingers in your memory.
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It features working people struggling to survive, a black gloved villain, and two men bonded together trying to eke out a living from the land.
The highly praised, and sometimes considered controversial, novella by John Steinbeck is coming to the stage in Bega as Theatre Onset’s newest production.
Director David Stocker said the writing was so poignant and the story so relevant, it did not feel dated despite its 1930s setting of the US Great Depression.
“It’s about people who aren’t happy with their situation, trying to get out of it,” he said.
“It’s about having a dream and wanting that dream to come true, but realising the difficulty of that dream.
“The traditional rural life is a tragic life and it was particularly tragic in those dustbowl days.”
Mr Stocker said in early productions of the piece, such as films, the story became melodramatic through overemphasis on dialogue and plot points.
While this would have worked with audiences at the time, today’s audiences appreciate subtler stories.
“When you read the play, you see it is very American,” Mr Stocker said.
“We’ve kept [Steinbeck’s] words but transcribed them into rural Australia.
“When you just talk Australian, with a little twist to the mouth at times to accommodate it, it reads beautifully.
“I’ve also tended, particularly with the main characters, to tone the anger down which comes across as crude and unconvincing to do it now.”
He said there was a similarity between rural America and Australia, in the hardworking ethos farmers have.
There is a varied cast in this production, with a range of different ages as well as experienced performers and newcomers to acting who all bring a different element to the stage.
The costumes and props are made to look authentic for the rural 1930s American setting.
See it at the Funhouse in Bega on May 11 and 12 at 7.30pm, May 13 at 3pm, May 17-19 at 7.30pm and May 20 at 3pm. Tickets are $20/$15 and available through www.trybooking.com/UKZA.
It is not recommended for children under 15.