OKCTC presents Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men

Staff Report

Of Mice and Men is set in California during the Great Depression, and follows two migrant workers – George, a sharp but uneducated, short-tempered man, and Lennie, a large but simple-minded man. The Oklahoma City Theatre Company (OKCTC) brings John Steinbeck’s touching story of friendship, loneliness, and powerlessness to the Civic Center Music Hall’s CitySpace Theatre on September 4.

"At a time when issues of race and economic inequality are plaguing this country, revisiting the Great Depression era resonates with a modern audience," said Rachel Irick, Oklahoma City Theatre Company Artistic Director. "By going back in time, today's prejudices and oppression that still exist below the surface, can be brought into view and questioned. Of Mice and Men deals with society's treatment of those who are seen as 'others' among us. For those of us in the LGBTQ community, we identify with that feeling immediately"

Irick explained by saying that the audience identifies primarily with the character George who is the caretaker for Lennie. Lennie has the cognitive and emotional developmental of a six-year-old, but this is a six-year-old who has seen death, been beaten, gone hungry, lost everyone and everything he cares about in one way or another. Even the tiny pets he finds are ripped away from him, and he struggles to even understand why. The innocence and anger of that child is bound inside the body of a grown man who has the strength and sexual desires of an adult. It's actually terrifying to think about.

"Now, imagine that it's your job to make sure Lennie doesn't harm himself or others, that he is fed, that he has a place to sleep at night, that no one harms him or takes advantage of his naiveté. That's George," she added. "He's struggling to provide for himself, to break free from his poverty and find a place to call home. He has dreams for the future but he is trapped by his own sympathy for Lennie, someone who is completely dependent upon him. He's exhausted by it, and yet he perseveres. It's an epic inner struggle and a heart-breaking thing to see as it plays out on stage.”

Of Mice and Men is required reading in many high schools in the United States, but also has a controversial past. Since it was published in 1936, it has been banned repeatedly for allegedly “promoting euthanasia,” “condoning racial slurs,” being “anti-business,” profanity, and offensive language.

The OKCTC production continues the company’s dedication to  “presenting an eclectic blend of classical works, modern drama, new plays, and musicals; which are relevant to contemporary audiences and seek to illuminate the human experience, educate, and enrich the lives of people in the Oklahoma City community,” according to their mission.

The production is directed by Linda McDonald. It opens Friday, September 4, and continues through Sunday, September 20. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students and seniors), with special group rates. There is a $10 Preview Night on Thursday, September 3. Tickets can be purchased by calling (405) 297-2264, or on the Civic Center’s website at www.okcciviccenter.com. Of Mice and Men is not intended for sensitive viewers. No children under 14 years of age admitted without parental supervision.

OKC Theatre Company continues to produce an eclectic blend of classic plays, contemporary drama, and new work today. The so-called “disparate” group of artists brought together by Nelson created a home in Oklahoma City for themselves and for many others. Our journey from past to present has been marked with challenges and triumphs. Some of the faces have changed over the years, but our mission and passion remain unchanged. We invite you to join us and to be a part of our exciting future as we continue to tell our stories, create great theatre, grow, and evolve – as artists and as a community.

The Gayly – September 2, 2015 @ 6pm.