A Raisin In The Sun

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

An important, historical piece of theatre that covers harsh themes of segregation and racism in the 1950s. A close, hard working family who want the best for each other.

A Raisin in The Sun is a historic piece of theatre written by Lorraine Hansberry. It is a moving and raw play. In 1959 Hansberry made history with this piece of writing: it was the first play on Broadway written by a black woman. It's bold and challenging story has been brough to life at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and directed by Tinuke Craig. It is still just as powerful.

The story is set in the South Side of Chicago in the late 1950s. On stage, the inside of a rented home is created, and the characters are an African American family who work tirelessly to make a better life and are held back by society's prejudice. The themes explored will give you a looking glass into the harsh and judgmental society that lacked inclusivity in the 50s. Some scenes are sensitive and uncomfortable; there is use of racial slurs, racist behaviour and some homophobic language. The use of this paints a dark picture of the reality of living in America as an African American. The performances of the characters were high quality; no emotion lacked and every cast member gave a compelling and real performance.

Tinuke Craig directed each actor with a huge range of personalities and back stories. Each character had an abundance of layers. Doreene Blackstock plays Lena, the grandmother and matriarch. Her character had a clear arc and ambition, she wants the best life for her family and her wise character has a strong personality that forces each family member in the right direction. Her acting is outstanding, she brings the audience to their knees with her emotional performance. Walter Lee played by Soloman Israel and Ruth played by Cash Holland give a unique performance and difficult to watch relationship; as a problematic married couple, there is clear image of Walter having power over Ruth. She is struggling to make ends meet, she longs be respected by society and her husband. The way he shouts, ignores and speaks to her in such a degrading manner, also how she cowers, tries to over power him and longs for his love is difficult to watch. As the show goes on she becomes desperate for a better and easier life. Cash Holland shows clearly how Ruth becomes more tired, over worked and heart broken. Commitment and an understanding of the characters in this piece is crucial. The actors in this piece truly owned their characters.

On stage the setting was a dull home, with basic household items: oven, sofa (also turns into a bed), sink, window and a table. The living room is on the stage and at the sides are sections to show other rooms in the flat and stairs. Lighting is used throughout to show the family in other rooms and they listen/react to what goes on in the living area. They all move around each other, a bit like they are on each others toes to show that the home is too small for their big family. The only downside of the show was the scenes where you see the family members in the other rooms outside of the living room and they mime their reactions, whilst this creates drama, it taints the naturalistic image they have created and at times it can look a bit awkward. It also makes the house seem bigger, when they are trying to show that it is so small, the living area is enough to give the audience the sense of the size.

On arrival, you see on the table there are cards laid out and this foreshadows the content of the story. The family give everything for the chance of a better life, work hard for it, and it just gets taken away from them. The plant on the window sill is symbolic of the hope they hold on to and keep alive. Even in the hardest times they stay close together and support each other. The plant is also used to symbolise the grandfather and Lena keeps his family values nourished.

A phenomenal piece of theatre and a cleverly written play. I believe it is important to keep this play alive. It deserves to be on the stage, because of the themes that it covers and it reminds the audience of how society has developed, but also how it is so important carry on developing and to be inclusive/encourage diversity. The show makes you feel uncomfortable and gives you a harsh reality check; with the themes it covers. I had my mouth open in shock with the language that was used and felt disgusted. They're words that you never want to hear uttered let alone shouted. Overall, this has shown the effects of racism and how important it is to celebrate diversity. Everyone deserves the opportunity and necessities to give their familes the best life they can.