Court Theatre presents A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry and directed by Gavrielle Randle-Bent, extended through March 9, 2025.
Written in 1959, A Raisin in the Sun made history with its Broadway premiere, marking a significant milestone as the first play ever penned by an African American woman.
“A Raisin in the Sun” tells the story of the Younger family, a working-class African American family living in a cramped Chicago apartment during the 1950s, who grapple with conflicting dreams and aspirations after receiving a large life insurance payout following the death of the family patriarch, Big Walter; the play explores the tensions surrounding how to use the money, with Mama wanting to buy a house, Walter Lee yearning to invest in a business, and Beneatha aiming to pursue higher education, all while navigating the realities of racial prejudice and limited opportunities in their community.
Lena Younger (Shanésia Davis) is the family matriarch. Her dream is to make a better life for her family. Her goal is to have something to leave to her family, a place that they can call home. She also wants to ensure that her grandson Travis (Jeremias Darville) has room to grow and that her daughter Beneatha (Martaisa Jones) can obtain her dream of becoming a doctor. Everything is put on the line when she entrusts her son Walter (Brian Keys) with what is left of the insurance money.
The family’s differing opinions on using the insurance money lead to internal conflict and struggles with their desires, a situation many of us can empathize with.
The play delves into a rich tapestry of universally relevant themes, such as the American Dream, racial discrimination, family dynamics, personal responsibility, and the struggle for upward mobility, offering a thought-provoking experience.
Overall, I give the production a fair rating. The acting was decent, but at times, there seemed to be a disconnect between the actors, which didn’t feel authentic. The best scene is at the beginning of Act 2 when J. Nicole Brooks (Mrs. Johnson) appears to awaken the audience. Her comedic approach was much needed and added seasoning to the bland performances. I still recommend seeing this production. As with all things, theater is subjective. Tickets can be purchased at the Court Box Office at 5535 S. Ellis Ave, via phone at (773)753-4472, or online .
All photos are by Michael Brosilow
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