Mother Road by Octavio Solís

Inspired by The Grapes of Wrath, this modern epic picks up generations later when William Joad must find a blood relative to inherit the family land in Oklahoma that was abandoned in Steinbeck’s novel. Learning that the only surviving descendant is the young Mexican American Martín Jodes, Joad convinces him to travel from California across the American heartland to Oklahoma. During their journey, these two men forge an unexpected bond as they grapple with the brutal past and strive for a hopeful future. An inventive and engrossing tale of American identity, immigration, and the ties that bind.

World premiere produced by Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Artistic Director Bill Rauch, Executive Director Cynthia Rider. Mother Road was produced in a developmental production by Goodman Theatre, Chicago in the New Stages Festival, Robert Falls, Artistic Director, Roche Schulfer, Executive Director.

Commissioned by the National Steinbeck Center and first read as part of the National Steinbeck Festival.