Plenty of drama fans are familiar with John Steinbeck’s classic, Depression-era play “Of Mice and Men.”
But the Pasadena Theater isn’t content to serve up the same, old story. Adapting it to reflect on modern experiences
in America, this version of the story transforms George and Lennie, the two main characters, into migrant Mexican workers
involved in the bracero program.
The original story focused on two migrant laborers named George and Lennie looking for work in California. Both dream
of making enough money to settle down somewhere and run a ranch. The simple-minded Lennie can only imagine raising and petting
dozens of soft, furry rabbits. His gentle nature has gotten them in trouble before, when Lennie stroked a young woman and
was accused of rape. Run out of town, they seem to be safe—for now.
Little has changed in the Pasadena Theater’s adaptation of the play. Its set just a few years after the original,
when Mexican braceros traveled north to fill jobs left vacant by men helping with the war effort. There are a few phrases
in Spanish, but otherwise the dialogue is intact. The unique adaptation takes an old story and places it out of its element,
jarring the audience into making new connections. Don’t wait for “Of Mice
and Men” tickets to run out. Get theater tickets today!
