What happens to a dream deferred? For the hopeful family in A Raisin In The Sun, the fight to see their dreams come true only made them stronger.
Making its Broadway debut in 1959, A Raisin In The Sun was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway. It tells the story of the Younger family, who receive a large insurance payout and must decide together how the money should best be managed with the goal of pulling the family out of poverty. One idealistic family member wants to invest in a liquor store, while another wants to put money towards a college education.
While ambitions were a major theme in the production, I especially enjoyed the ways in which the play explored generational differences within a family unit. The traditional Lena Younger’s dreams were a stark contrast against her ambitious son and freethinking daughters goals. The play explores how various worldviews and values can make finding common understanding within a family challenging.
The story moves beyond the family unit and introduces the viewers too an idealistic exchange student from Africa and a well-off college student, showing viewers aspects of the Black experience in America beyond Chicago’s slums. The play explores how individuals from various backgrounds relate to their Black identity.
I especially enjoyed the performances of Beneatha Younger, played by Stori Ayers, and Chike Johnson, as Walter Lee Younger. Their energy provided lighthearted moments despite the serious themes explored in the script.
A Raisin In The Sun, at its core, is a story about a family finding strength and identity both together and as individuals. By the end of the play, the often-feuding household put aside their differences and embraced a collective dream. It’s a timely play. We are preparing to celebrate Black History Month and therefore reflecting on the legacy of Dr. King in a country that has seen a resurgence of hate groups, hostility and discrimination. It reminds us that, while the people of our country have many differences, we, too, can overcome hate, fight for a collective dream, and become stronger for it.
The show runs until Feb. 3 on the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s OneAmerica Mainstage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at 317-635-5252.
