DC Theatre Scene: Like Grapes of Wrath, Lynn Nottage’s Sweat offers a devastating look at social and economic breakdown, told not with rants or statistics, but through a riveting tale about good people in a bad situation. The characters in Sweat live in Reading, Pennsylvania, which 2010 U.S. Census data identified as the poorest city in America.
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Having recently studied The Grapes of Wrath for the purpose of understanding its history of banning and censorship, I have to wonder if Sweat will bring about similar backlash from those it unintentionally offends. What John Steinbeck's novel was criticized for was giving an unfair portrayal of California farm owners faced with hoards of migrants looking for work in the great depression - therefore, Sweat stands a chance of finding opposition by those painted in less flattering light, such as the character mentioned who assumes his non-white companion is not a native to this town. However, to those offended I would pre-emptively argue that it is better that they see this work and let the rest of the world see it, so that they can examine and/or defend themselves in the most accurate, pointed way possible. In understanding others' perceptions of their actions, perhaps they can also understand how their choices affect a world which so economically and emotionally affects them. If there is backlash, and there will be, I hope it will foster more learning than censorship. Perhaps where communities erred in response to Steinbeck's novel, theirs can prosper.
I am glad to read such a great review for this production. I was fortunate enough to sit in on one of the first productions centered around this play at the Public Theater this summer.
The set came in from a regional house and had to be completely taken apart, hauled up the side of a three story building and put back together in a space that the set wasn't supposed to fit it, and definitely was not originally intended to ever be in.
The costumes did not come with the scenery.
From what I can tell the pictures make it seem as thought the team over in New York did a great job of putting the pieces back together. The other technical elements really seem to compliment the world nicely.
Aside from a touring show, I had never heard of a set coming in from a different place and being put up for a completely new cast, and directorial team. I found it odd, and still do. Doesn't this cut the artistic process down? Sometimes, I guess, that what's more important is putting on a good show, that has been time and audience tested, rather than focusing your time and energy on creating something from scratch. I hope the show extends its run and I can make it out there to form an opinion on the production in person. Stay tuned..
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