Set in 1950s Chicago, A Raisin in the Sun offers a glimpse into the life of a struggling African-American family, whose dreams, hopes and futures are intimately tied to a $10,000 life insurance check. Each family member has a different plan for the money: one wants a liquor store, another money for a medical degree and the last a peaceful house for the entire family. Critically assessing the effect of race relations on African-American families and their communities, A Raisin in the Sun delivers a well-rounded play, originating from the talented acting and the ingenious writing.
Without a doubt, A Raisin in the Sun is brilliantly cast. The female actors especially display a true feel for their characters, creating an air of believability and sympathy. Studying medicine, Beneatha Younger (Kenya Alexander) exudes a strong, proud woman, steadfast in her beliefs, only bowing to her mother. Beneatha’s mother, Lena Younger (Kim Staunton) provides a firm moral compass as the family’s matriarch. Without her, the Youngers would undoubtedly lose their frail cohesion. Finally, Lena’s daughter-in-law, Ruth Younger (Deidrie Henry) embodies a timid woman, whose first and only priority is her family.
Written before the Civil Rights Movement, A Raisin in the Sun exposes the two-layered racism that plagued many African-American communities. The most apparent and blatant form of which stemmed from the baseless xenophobic fears that many whites held. As part of the money that Lena receives from her husband’s death, she places a deposit on a house in Clybourne Park, an all-white neighborhood. Representing the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, Mr. Lindner (Scott Mosenson) arrives at the Younger’s in the name of friendship and understanding and attempts to bribe them into staying out of his neighborhood. The family refuses, and Mr. Lindner leaves confused and dazed, maliciously hinting that it will be better for the Youngers to stay out.
The other layer of racism is more subtle, yet equally as prevalent and detrimental. Lena’s son, Walter Lee Younger (Kevin T. Carroll) unabashedly despises his own race. Claiming that his brethren can only “moan, pray and have babies,” Walter places himself above his community. They lack dreams, he says, and he’s different because he wants more. He wants to become the new African-American bourgeois, yet he hates them too. The playwright, Lorraine Hansberry demonstrates how this mentality becomes so destructive. Walter becomes so obsessed with his racist views that he eventually begins to embody what he abhors.
Because of the play’s setting and events, A Raisin in the Sun is filled with complex characters like Walter Lee. He dreams big, yet partakes in petty squabbles. He places money on a pedestal, yet he freely gives it away without a second thought. He blames everyone for not giving him a chance, yet he loses his family’s money on a poorly-planned liquor store venture. He lives for tomorrow’s successes, yet cannot make it through today’s failures. Even though his contradictions are frustrating, it makes the character more human and thus, more credible. In addition to Walter Lee, Beneatha and Ruth also rise above their own prejudices and live up to their promise, making their struggles and successes a pleasure to witness.
Instead of skirting the issue, Hansberry addresses deep-seeded racism that still prevails in today’s world. Through exploring these topics, Hansberry provides rich and colorful characters, whose potential is fulfilled with this cast’s adept interpretation and masterful performance. A great play for everyone, A Raisin in the Sun is still as current as it was 50 years ago when it first debuted on Broadway.
On stage through February 19, A Raisin in the Sun is playing at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City. Tickets cost $20 to $50.
Natalia Evdokimova has been involved with theater throughout her life and has reviewed theatrical productions for local and citywide publications since 2005.