A Raisin In The Sun
Drawing inspiration from Langston Hughes' poem, Harlem, "What happens to a dream deferred?" suggesting that when ambitions are shelved or ignored, they can lose their essence and vibrancy — Lorraine Hansberry's powerful play, A Raisin in the Sun, delves deep into racism and systemic discrimination that African Americans faced throughout history. The narrative vividly captures the struggles of one family, the Younger, striving to maintain hope amidst overwhelming adversity. Despite the oppressive societal forces and a glaring lack of resources, their unwavering resilience shines through as they pursue their aspirations and the American Dream. A Raisin in the Sun is about a Black working-class family living in Chicago during the 50's. Hansberry's play was the first Broadway production written and produced by an African American woman. The main characters, Walter Younger (Brian Keys), his wife Ruth Younger (Kierra Bunch), his sister Beneatha (Martasia Jones), Travis Younger (Jeremias Darville), and the matriarch of the family (Mama) Lena, played by Shanesia Davis live in a rundown apartment. Still, they await a fortune, a $10,000 check due to Lena after her husband, Big Walter, passed. With them all imagining a bigger life, the family has a conflict regarding how the funds should be utilized. Beneatha aspires to be a doctor and needs money for her college education. Ruth wants to leave their roach-infested dwelling, and her son Walter, hoping to achieve financial independence and success, wants to invest in a liquor store. However, when Lena, a woman of faith, doesn't believe in using the money to fund what she feels is a destructive vice, she places a down payment on a house in Clybourne Park, a white neighborhood. Things begin to spiral out of control when Mr. Lindner, a white man from Clybourne Homeowners Associates' "welcome committee," tries to pay the Youngers more money than her down payment not to move into their new house.
The cast includes Eliott Johnson, the young Nigerian student Joseph Asagai; Charles Andrew Gardner, an affluent, well-off, educated African American college student (George Murchison); Julian Parker, a friend and want-to-be business partner of Walter, named (Bobo), Vincent Teninty, a Clybourne Park representative (Karl Lindner), and an outstanding performance from J. Nicole Brooks as Mrs. Johnson. Under the direction of Gabrielle Randle-Bent, the play starts at a slow pace, gradually building momentum. Keys delivers a compelling Walter Younger, embodying the character's frustrations with conviction, while Bunch stands out as Ruth, providing an exceptional performance. However, certain scenes fall short of capturing the zeal essential to this iconic work, leaving moments that could have ignited the audience, which can be challenging for a three-hour performance. The play reverberates with an unquestionable intensity, exploring the profound biases that African Americans faced during that era. It vividly illustrates the harsh realities of their struggles, shedding light on the systemic injustices that, lamentably, continue to permeate society today.
"A Raisin in the Sun" explores the deeply entrenched misogynistic attitudes held by men while shedding light on the strivings of the feminist movement for equality. The narrative intricately weaves together the struggles of women as they confront societal norms and fight for their rightful place, illustrating the powerful dynamics of gender roles within the context of family and societal expectations. "A Raisin in the Sun" masterfully explores the fight against discrimination, which, depending on your views, will resonate powerfully with audiences. Still, with enduring values of family, the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, and the courageous fight against discrimination, the play's most profound message is that we all have the same dreams, even if we don't look the same. Towards the end of the play, Walter, who lost the money his mother entrusted him with, reforms his ways and learns an important lesson about unity and family bonds.
⭐⭐⭐
Court Theater
A Raisin In The Sun
By Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent
Now - March 23, 2025
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