Novel idea that's still so relevant

JOHN Steinbeck's American novel about the Great Depression – The Grapes of Wrath – is a rare gem.

It won the author a Nobel Prize for Literature and a Pulitzer Prize and is a familiar text for students on both sides of the Atlantic; but it has only been filmed once – in a haunting 1940 version directed by John Ford which won both him and star Henry Fonda Oscars.

In 1990, the Chicago-based Steppenwolf were the first company to be given permission by the Steinbeck Estate for a stage version.

Fast-forward nearly 20 years and the play finally reaches these shores, with a co-production from the Chichester Festival Theatre and English Touring Theatre.

Steinbeck's 1939 novel is the story of The Joads, a family of impoverished Oklahoman share-croppers who lose everything when their farm is repossessed after a devastating drought.

They make the exhausting trek west to the promised land – California. Seduced by the prospect of opportunity and dignity, they invest everything they have in the journey.

This production stars Christopher Timothy as Pa Joad, Oliver Cotton as preacher Jim Casy and Sorcha Cusack as Ma Joad, who says she believes that the family's story and their struggle will resonate with audiences today.

"One of the reasons why I wanted to do this was that it is so apposite in this climate. People are still losing their homes to big companies and banks. Plus ça change," she says.

"It does have a period feel but I think that helps to get the message across. The story does have an epic and panoramic feel to it."

The story of the Joads is, it has to be admitted, a fairly depressing one. But this is a unique opportunity to see something powerful in the theatre.

Jonathan Church directs an impressively sized company of 20 and the clever set by Simon Higlett adds a lot of period atmosphere.

"The set is really good. It's very cleverly done and makes everything look lopsided and precarious," says Sorcha, who has been seen on television in Casualty and Coronation Street.

She says John Steinbeck's writing shows his great respect for women.

"You view the world through Ma Joad and her family. It's very intimate. It's about giving birth and nurturing.

"Casy is much more the male voice. He sees the world in the bigger picture in terms of politics. The son, Tom, is slightly torn between the two."

Sorcha says she's looking forward to the tour – which includes Plymouth and Truro – after a short season at Chichester.

"The Chichester audiences have not been the most... youthful," she admits.

"I hope that we will get a more varied audience. I hope schoolkids will come, it will be interesting to see what their take on it is."

The Grapes of Wrath is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from Tuesday until Saturday, October 6-10. Box office: 01752 267222.

It will also be performed at the Hall for Cornwall, Truro (01872 262466) from November 17-21.