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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
Karen Gahagan
978.542.7890
Salem State Theatre presents The Grapes of Wrath December 3-13
What: The Grapes of Wrath, adapted by Frank Galati, based on the novel by John Steinbeck
When: December 3-5, 7:30pm; December 6, 2 pm; December 10-12, 7:30 pm and December 13, 2 pm
Where: Salem State University, Callan Studio Theatre, 352 Lafayette Street
Tickets: Chairs: $15 general/$10 students and seniors (purchase at salemstatetickets.com/978.542.6365)
Salem, MA, November 18, 2015 – Wage inequality and environmental degradation are two themes that dominate John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath. Based on interviews of real-life accounts of migrants recorded by the Farm Security Administration, Grapes tells the story of the Joad family, as they leave the Dust Bowl and set out for California. Along with thousands of other migrants, they seek jobs, land, dignity, and a future.
When asked “Why this play? Why now?” director Peter Sampieri notes, “This story couldn’t be more relevant. We live in a world where 69% of the global population holds only 3% of the global wealth. Turning our gaze to an American epic that asks us to empathize with the poor and displaced not only seems useful, but necessary.”
The production is filled with the power of suggestion. The Callan theatre has been turned into a late 1930s barn, surrounding the audience; however, the truck that carries the Joads to their new life is just a frame. There are no walls anywhere, asking the audience to fill in the gaps and the empty spaces. A cast of 26 actors and musicians shares Steinbeck’s message of resistance and hope against loss. Traditional folk tunes are woven throughout the show along with original music by Sampieri.
The Grapes of Wrath plays December 3-5 at 7:30 pm; December 6 at 2 pm and again December 10-12 at 7:30 pm and December 13 at 2 pm. Pre-show conversation: “What Makes Poverty”, Thursday, December 10, 6:30 pm. Tickets are: $15 general/$10 non-Salem State students and seniors. Salemstatetickets.com or 978.542.6365
Members of the audience are asked to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to those in need.
This production is presented in conjunction with Salem State University’s Center for Creative and Performing Arts.
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