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I was recently asked, “…what is it about the world right now that made me want to direct The Grapes of Wrath?” I don't think there is just one answer or one particular sparking incident. Many things inspired this production, among them my love for Steinbeck's writing, and the parallels of contemporary issues with those of the Dust Bowl Years and the Great Depression. Ironically, just as in Steinbeck's time, there is a disturbing anti-immigrant sentiment present today. We are witnessing the formation of groups such as the self-proclaimed border-patrol guards, called Minutemen, who voluntarily patrol the border. Although these Minutemen are not wanted by the official U.S. Border Patrol and have been condemned by President Bush as vigilantes, they continue to impose their presence. The irony that we are an economy that relies on this labor, while at the same time vilifies them is just mind boggling. Simply put, I just don't get it. Steinbeck's gift at articulating the dignity of hard work and capturing those human qualities of strength and love of family also motivated the decision to direct this play. Ultimately, the characters spoke to me on a deep spiritual level, particularly the women. The Grapes of Wrath, is more often associated with the journey of Tom Joad, because he is the one that the play opens with. Tom Joad also takes on the painful decision to leave his family in order to join a political union against all corruption and oppression. Right alongside his amazing journey, I have always been fascinated by the women who are equally revolutionary in this story. Through their struggle, we experience the strength of character it takes for a women to decide to stay with her family and remain committed to them despite all hardships. This play also struck me as a celebration of the woman's body in a most profound way through the character of Rose of Sharon. Steinbeck gives us a wonderful articulation of the woman's body being capable of miracles, such as producing life and then further extols women by demonstrating how the woman's body can provide sustenance to maintain and even save someone's life. I attended the annual conference on Steinbeck in Salinas , California (the author's birthplace) where an entire museum is dedicated to his legacy. The museum, while glorifying Steinbeck as an American revolutionary maintains an expurgated display of the contemporary world of the U.S. farm-worker. Interestingly enough, the center's primary funders are the local agricultural businesses that Steinbeck criticized so vehemently in his work. One has to marvel at the irony of that. Evelyn Díaz Cruz THE GRAPES OF WRATH Based on the novel by April 13-17, 2005 8pm Wednesday, April 13, 8pm Thursday, April 14, 8pm Friday, April 15, Tickets are available at the Hahn University Center Box Office at (619) 260-2727 Tickets also available one hour before curtain at Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall. t h e d a w n c a m e . . . b u t n o d a y
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