Of Mice and Men (2008)

Poster by Maria Bates

by John Steinbeck

Directed by Maria Bates

Performances: Tue 6th – Sat 10th May 2008, Bell Theatre

Introduction

Steinbeck's own stage version of his classic novel tells the story of George and Lenny, the fast-talking farm hand and the simple giant who accompanies him on a life of casual labour in the California Agricultural Belt of the 1930's. They share a dream of a little place of their own, where Lenny can tend the rabbits and they can Live off the fat of the land. But when Lenny unwittingly kills the young wife of a farm owner's son, George must shatter their dreams to keep Lenny from falling into the hands of the law and the vigilante farmhands bent on revenge.

This play is a wonderful, heartbreaking and memorable piece of theatre that focuses on interpersonal relationships and the human condition. It is intimate and claustrophobic in its nature and this is even more apparent when played in an open and simple space. Steinbeck’s amazing writing captures perfectly the raw, gritty, violent, loving and almost always complex nature of each character. As well as being a joy to direct I believe it will provide the cast with fantastic character roles and a script they can really trust.

Auditions

Auditions for this production will take place in January 2008 - more detail to follow.

Cast

Character descriptions from the audition notice

• George Milton (40-45) – The protagonist; a small, quick-witted man who is best friends with Lennie. He looks after Lennie and dreams of a better life. He has formed a bond with Lennie which suggests that of one family member to another, even though the men are not related. His struggles to take care of Lennie and his stories of a different life, illustrate a longing to escape the atomized and segregated communities of working people which were common to the Depression.

• Lennie Small (30-40) – A developmentally disabled, possibly autistic man who travels with George. There is irony in his last name: he is a very big man physically but with the small dreams and needs of a child. He dreams of "living off the fatta' the lan'" and being able to tend to rabbits, his obsession being soft materials and cuddly animals. His possession of the mental ability of a child but the strength of a "bull", results in him being unable to control or judge his own strength.

• Candy (65-80) – Candy has lost a hand in an accident and is near to the end of his useful life on the ranch and he knows he has little to look forward to, especially when Carlson decides to kill his dog. Candy's powerlessness is illustrated by his inability even to influence his dog's euthanasia (the matter is ultimately decided by Slim). However, he is given renewed strength and self-respect by the prospect of settling down with Lennie and George, and is willing to make the largest finanical contribution toward the dream.

• Curley (25-30) – The boss's son – a small, spikey, unpleasant, young, pugnacious character, once a semi-professional boxer. He is incredibly jealous and protective of his wife and is convinced she is being unfaithful.

• Curley's wife (20-25) – A young, pretty woman, sometimes called a "tart" by the men and mistrusted by her husband. The other characters refer to her only as "Curley's wife," and she is the only characters in the play to whom Steinbeck does not give a name. She had dreams of becoming an actress, and is often mean-spirited and bullying towards the ranch-hands. Her inappropriate dress and flirtatious manner are meant to attract attention because she is lonely, however the men do not respect her; they are unable to see these efforts as anything but a plea for attention.

• Slim (30-50) - A jerk line skinner (not a common laborer) and the moral yardstick at the ranch, referred to as "prince of the ranch", the other men all look up to Slim.

• Crooks (30-50) - The only African American on the ranch, referred to as a "nigger" by almost everyone. Like Candy he is crippled; his nickname is due to a crooked back from being kicked by a horse. He sleeps in separation from the other workers but is fiercely protective of his so-called "rights".

• Carlson (30-50) – He is crippled in yet another way: unable to empathize with anyone or any creature. He wants to shoot Candy's old and infirm dog merely because he doesn't like its smell.

• Whit (20-30) - A young, inexperienced man; enthusiastic about life on the ranch, but missing a friend also from a previous ranch, and mourning the relationship.

• The Boss (45-60) – Curley's father; owner and director of the ranch.

NB: All characters will be required to perfect a Californian accent.

Crew

• Stage Manager - SM Name
• Lighting Design - Designer Name
• Lighting Operator - Operator Name

Reviews

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Reminiscences and Anecdotes

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See Also

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Or add anything that is related within this site. The author's page for instance or other plays with a similar theme.

References

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