This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Artists retrace 'Grapes of Wrath' journey for novel's 75th birthday
A south-bound train passes farm workers shortly after sunrise on October 10, 2007 in the Coachella Valley near Mecca, California.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)
John Steinbeck's renowned novel "Grapes of Wrath," which documented the lives of farmworkers who took the dustbowl journey from Oklahoma to California, turns 75 this year. In remembrance, a trio of artists have been recreating that trip for the past couple of weeks — recording interviews with people along the way.
The 11-day trip across the country ends Monday at a labor camp in Central California called Weedpatch Camp. The interviews are a collection of stories about what's like to face adversities and find joy during hard times.
Artist and historian Patricia Wakida of Boyle Heights says she spoke with an 83-year-old woman in Flagstaff, Arizona who said she's inspired by watching the sunrise each morning. She admires the varying hues — until it grows too hot.
"After a certain point, the sun became so bright, it was in her face and it really burned at you and she said it became, in a word, unbearable. And then she said to me, when a circumstance becomes unbearable, you have to change your position," said Wakida of the interview.
Playwright Octavio Solis and Filmmaker P-J Palmer are also on the journey from Oklahoma to Central California. The new stories will become part of the 2014 Steinbeck Festival in Salinas.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
