Jeanette Winterson’s Strange Fruit.
In 1990, the BBC aired a brilliant three-part adaption of Jeanette Winterson’s, ‘Oranges are not the only Fruit’. It caused quite a who-ha at the time because it dealt with a young girl having a lesbian relationship; although, this was far from being the only controversial part of the story.
Yes, it did explore the pain and difficulty of becoming aware of gay/bi-sexual tendencies; but it also looked into religious matters and the danger of some churches. When does a faith become a cult? And when does a cult become occult? Some of the behaviour by the ‘Christians’ in this drama will make the hairs stand up on your neck. One sequence (an ‘exorcism’) shows Jess being tied up with ‘the cords of love’ as part of a bizarre ceremony before she is prayed over by several members of the congregation.
‘Oranges are not the only Fruit’ is rich with quality acting. Both of the actresses who play Jess (first young and then older) are absolutely brilliant, Jess’ mother (Geraldine McEwan) is both disturbed and disturbing, whilst the Pastor (Kenneth Cranham) is downright bloody scary.
This really was great television. It is such an excellent story and was transferred from book to screen by the very best person of all; the author. If only this was done more often. I’m sure most writers would happily work directly on an adaption of their novel rather than seeing it turned into something totally different (and often inferior).
For several years there have been rumours floating around that Jeanette Winterson’s story is semi-autobiographical. Whether or not this is true, we may never get to know. But what does it actually matter anyway?
I can’t believe it’s twenty years since this was first on television! As far as I know, the BBC has only ever repeated it on one occasion. What a shame.
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