Review: THE GRAPES OF WRATH, National Theatre at Home

The second early December release on The National Theatre at Home platform, following on from Present Laughter, is The Grapes of Wrath, staged in the Lyttelton Theatre this past summer. Carrie Cracknell’s raw and brutal production of Frank Galati’s play (based on John Steinbeck’s celebrated novel of 1939) will leave you digesting its emotions long after you close your laptop.

Set in the town of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ tells of the Joad family and their life-altering journey to California during the Dust Bowl events of the 1930s. However, in a rather devastating realisation, the themes and events of the play, although set 90 years ago, aren’t too far off from things we still see today. Homelessness, economic crises, brutality, the weakening of labour laws, and even physical and mental health-related issues are all topics that arise, showing just how close the Joad family’s world is to our own, a century or so later.

Maimuna Memon’s beautifully judged original songs for the production are a complete standout for me. The music itself, along with Memon’s stunning vocals, banjo, and guitar skills, transport you to that exact moment in time and develops an emotional soundscape that frames the narrative, complementing  the stellar acting and physical theatre elements Cracknell foregrounds as director. Crucially, this perfect blend of gospel, folk and country is real and raw.

The entire cast are on top form. Emmy and Tony award winner, Cherry Jones, is the rooted core of the piece, stern, loving, and the definition of motherhood as Ma Joad. Her other half is Pa Joad played by Greg Hicks, an idealistic and driven father who just wants the best for his family. 

Special mentions also go to Harry Treadaway as the play's protagonist, Tom Joad, and Natey Jones as Reverend Jim Casey. Both actors wore their hearts on their sleeve with emotional and tearjerking monologues powerful enough to have the audience hang onto every word.

With edge-of-your-seat levels of tension, and breathtaking stage combat, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you thinking ‘what just happened?’. Any plot you think you may have grasped ultimately gets thrown away as plot twist after plot twist is hurled at you - a perfect metaphor for life in a turbulent world. Just when you think you know where the Joad family’s story is going, events get in the way and pull the rug out from under their feet.

The Southern American accents used by all were a joy to listen to as they sounded just as authentic and true as the world that created for them on stage. Powerful and aesthetic visuals play a full role in the creation of a thought-provoking and pivotal piece of theatre that is inevitably timeless. 

Towards the end, as the questions pile up ever more quickly, the true meaning of the play emerges. Life has no certain answers, and sometimes you don’t even get to ask why things happen - they just do. The events of this play evidence that conclusion daringly and so profoundly truthfully that I stopped asking questions, and just simply took it all in. 

Direction, music, visual effects, and choreography were all beautifully wrapped together in a piece that more people should be aware of - and will now it’s available to stream at home. It’ll stay with you for a while after. Although not a joyous watch during this festive season, it is thought-provoking and certain to set conversations in train and we look to a new year of challenges and uncertainty.

The Grapes of Wrath drops onto the National Theatre at Home website on 6 December, alongside Present Laughter (subscription required).

Photo Credits: Richard Hubert Smith

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