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Little discussion can take place on Great Depression American literature without consideration of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” The novel is a classic, capturing what has been called the new American dream of modern times.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15 the Barter Theater Company, under the direction of Katy Brown, took the stage at the Collins Center for the Arts to embark on an attempt to enliven Steinbeck’s acclaimed novella. Seats were filled with students, faculty, and members of the general public. All attendees shared an eager desire to see the words of the literary work brought to life.
The Barter Theater Company compromised none of the story’s southern dialogue or emotional richness in creating a near-identical adaptation. Performers assumed southern drawls to illuminate the play’s Southwest farm setting. They assumed roles capably to accentuate the interplay between Steinbeck’s comedy and tragedy.
Main characters George and Lennie, played by John Hardy and Mike Ostroski respectively, made their complex relationship accessible to the audience. Spectators were struck by the honesty of their characters and the tangibility of George and Lennie’s dream to gain affluence and obtain property.
Their relationship is most comparable to the main characters in “The Odd Couple.” Hardy assumed the witty and dominant character of George while Ostroski assumed the slow-minded, submissive Lennie. What made spectators so emotionally invested was the only quality shared by both characters: hope.
George and Lennie are complete opposites. Hardy succeeded in acting the part of a determined character whose methodic and well-thought-out plan makes Lennie dependent upon him for success. The play shifts back and forth between a frustrated and a caring George. His plans are exacerbated by the misfortunes Lennie endures, but he can’t leave his vulnerable friend behind to suffer.
The excitement of the play was attributed to this comical relationship in the face of tragic circumstance. Their impoverishment did not hinder their desire to make something of themselves. The other performers displayed the realism with which the play concerns itself. Exaggerations were avoided in an attempt to create the most believable depiction of Great Depression poverty.
The realism of the play creates a unique link between the American dream of the past and present. In the director’s note, Brown assures her audience that though the play is in a different time in American history, “It still centers around many of the same thoughts: freedom, security, community, a place that is ours.” Many of the social pressures that hinder the realization of George and Lennie’s dream are still applicable to current events.
“There is no greater need for the American dream … than times when the world around us seems out of our control,” Brown stated in the notes.
Bangor Daily News