A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965)[1]

The original text

The play in 1959. The title comes from the poem "Harlem" (also known as "A Dream Deferred") by Langston Hughes. The story is based upon a black family's experiences in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood.

Written and completed in 1957, the play had its debut on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on March 11, 1959. It went on to become the first play by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play and was nominated the Tony Award for Best Play. Within two years the play had been translated into 35 languages and was being performed all over the world.

Performance history in South Africa

1992: Performed by students of the Wits School of Dramatic Art, directed by Maishe Maponya, in 1992, starring, among others, Lindani Nkosi. Set designed by Paul Roumanoff. Lighting designer: Adam Steyn assisted by Gerry Coughlan.

2003: A production as part of the Basha youth programme at the State Theatre was directed by Jerry Mofokeng.

2021: Directed by Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha with Keketso Semoko, Nat Ramabulana, Xolile Tshabalala and Gerben Kamper in leading roles, the play was produced in partnership with the United States Mission to South Africa during Heritage Month. The premiere was at the Soweto Theatre on 11 September 2021 (running until 17 September). This was followed by performances at the Kroonstad Civic Theatre, on Heritage Day (24 September) and running until 26 September. All performances followed strict COVID-19 protocols and were limited in audience numbers based on lockdown Level 3 regulations in place at that time.