John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men is to be brought to life in a major new production at Birmingham Repertory Theatre from October 10 - November 1 (press night Tuesday, October 14).
Eight decades after it was first published, the enduring American literary classic has never been more relevant, with it's themes of friendship between migrant workers during the Great Depression.
But there was recent controversy when former Education Secretary Michael Gove removed the text from the GCSE English literature syllabus.
Adapted from Steinbeck's novella, the play is a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship and an examination of even the most marginalised to pursue the American Dream.
Of Mice And Men tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant farm workers, who go in search of new beginnings, in the hope of attaining their shared dream: of putting together enough money to buy a small piece of land and build a farm of their own.
The pair arrive at a Californian ranch looking for work after a long and exhausting journey. New opportunities offer Lennie and George the chance to achieve their dream, but it becomes clear that they are no strangers to trouble and, when events spiral out of control, their friendship is tested to the limit in an earth-shattering climax.
"Of Mice and Men is one of the truly great American stories," says director Roxana Silbert. "It's an achingly powerful and beautiful play and its brutal and acute investigation on the impact of poverty: how it leads to isolation, violence and humanity is as resonant now as it was 80 years ago when it was premiered."
Leading the cast as Lennie is Benjamin Dilloway, whose recent theatre credits include The Silver Tassie (National Theatre), If You Don't Let Us Dream, We Won't Let You Sleep (Royal Court Theatre) and King Lear (Almeida). He will be joined by Michael Legge as George. Michael has previously appeared in My Cousin Rachel (The Gate Theatre, Dublin), Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme (Hampstead Theatre) and Southwark Fair and His Dark Materials (National Theatre).
Norman Bowman will take on the role of Slim, having also taken to the stage in LES MISERABLES (West End & UK Tour), Pirates of Penzance (UK Tour) and Guys And Dolls (West End). Playing alongside him as Carlson / The Boss is Jan Knightley, whose recent credits include Twelfth Night, The Tempest and The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Company).Of Mice And Men will be designed by Liz Ashcroft, with lighting design by Simon Bond, music and sound design by Nick Powell and movement by Aline David.
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