"Just mentioning the words 'Grapes of Wrath' and 'opera' -- people think it's nuts".
It's hard to disagree with Michael Korie, who nevertheless wrote the libretto for Ricky Ian Gordon's score. But then, of course, it's also true that the Steinbeck novel that inspired the new opera that debuts on Saturday at the Minnesota Opera,
"It's as relevant today as the day it was written, and I think people are going to be struck anew by that," said Deanne Meek, the mezzo soprano who sings the part of Ma Joad. "These are issues that are present in our own backyards. You know, we're talking about building fences to keep people out of this country. And here's a call for compassion, and equality, and care, and treating people like human beings."
