A Raisin in the Sun, originally written by Lorraine Hansberry, was the first play by an African American woman to be performed on Broadway, debuting in 1959. Over 60 years later, its themes of racial inequality, family struggles, and the pursuit of dreams remain as relevant as ever. This powerful production, co-produced by Headlong, Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, and Nottingham Playhouse, is directed by Tinuke Craig. It delves into the heart of the Younger family's story and brings it to life on a UK stage tour. As part of Headlong Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations, this production arrives at Leeds Playhouse with an ensemble cast led by Doreene Blackstock, Solomon Israel, and Joséphine-Fransilja Brookman.
Set in 1950s Chicago, A Raisin in the Sun follows the Younger family as they struggle with poverty, racial discrimination, and their own conflicting aspirations. Recently widowed Lena, or "Mama," receives a $10,000 life insurance payout, which sparks dreams of a better life. Each family member has a different vision for the money: Mama wants to buy a home, Beneatha dreams of medical school, and Walter Lee hopes to invest in a business to escape his chauffeur job. As tensions rise, the family’s future is thrown into jeopardy when Walter’s dreams collide with harsh reality. Hansberry’s work captures not just the personal struggles of the Youngers but the broader social pressures of being Black in a segregated America.
Cécile Trémolières' set design transforms the cramped South Side apartment into a poignant symbol of the family's suffocating circumstances. The peeling walls and sparse furnishings echo the family’s yearning for more. The use of gauzy walls allows the audience to witness characters’ moments of vulnerability even when they’re not onstage, creating an intimate atmosphere that deepens the emotional impact. Joshua Pharo's lighting adds further layers, subtly guiding our attention to the small spaces where big dreams either blossom or are crushed. Costumes by Maybelle Laye are authentic to the period, transporting us back to the 1950s with a muted, working-class palette. The sound design by Max Pappenheim enhances the production without overpowering it, with soft jazz tones filling the air and underscoring the emotional shifts.
The performances in this production are simply outstanding. Doreene Blackstock is captivating as Mama, bringing a heartfelt blend of strength and vulnerability to the role of the family matriarch. Her portrayal of Lena’s quiet resilience is beautifully contrasted by the fire in Joséphine-Fransilja Brookman’s Beneatha, who dreams of breaking free from societal expectations. Brookman captures Beneatha’s inner conflict, torn between tradition and a desire to redefine herself.
Solomon Israel’s Walter Lee is electrifying. His raw intensity, coupled with his deep frustration at the limitations society imposes on him, is palpable in every scene. Walter’s journey is one of both desperation and growth, and Israel masterfully handles the character’s complex emotional arc. Cash Holland as Ruth is quietly heartbreaking, conveying the exhaustion of a woman caught between her husband’s lofty dreams and the practical realities of keeping the family afloat. The supporting cast, including Gilbert Kyem Jnr and Kenneth Omole, provide strong, nuanced performances that add depth to this ensemble piece.
This revival of A Raisin in the Sun is a triumph. Tinuke Craig’s direction brings a fresh vitality to Hansberry’s iconic work, allowing the timeless themes of the play to resonate with contemporary audiences. The production’s meticulous attention to detail in its set design, performances, and pacing ensures that the emotional weight of the story never falters. It is a powerful reminder of how far society has come—and how far it still has to go. This is not just a play about a family struggling to survive; it’s a reflection on freedom, identity, and the cost of dreams. Leeds Playhouse has delivered a moving, must-see production that will leave audiences both entertained and reflective.
A Raisin in the Sun is on at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 28th September 2024, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
Photo Credit - Ikin Yum
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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