A Raisin in the Sun at Ruskin Group Theatre

Winning the BEST PLAY Award from the New York Drama Critics' Circle, “A RAISIN IN THE SUN" made history when it opened in 1959. The setting is the Younger household in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, and involves the family members' struggle to achieve their individual dreams and potential despite challenges of a system that seems built to thwart them.

Ruskin Group Theatre will present a new production of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play, directed by Tony Award nominated Lita Gaithers Owens and featuring the Tony Award nominated actress Starletta DuPois, one of the stars of the acclaimed American Playhouse film version.

Lorraine Hansberry was the first black playwright to have her work produced on Broadway and the youngest American to win the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award. The title of the play comes from a Langston Hughes poem entitled "Harlem," also known as "A Dream Deferred."
Tony nominated Lita Gaithers Owens directs an award-winning cast. She is the co-author of the Broadway musical, It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, which opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in Lincoln Center, and was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical of 1999. She was co-founder/director of the multi-racial, “Friendship Choir” that performed with Celine Dion, Dianne Reeves, Luther Vandross, Gloria Estefan, Michael Bolton, Nelson Mandela, and for former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. At the personal request of Bill Cosby, the choir also had the privilege of appearing in the “Story Teller” episode of “The Cosby Show” with Mavis Staples. Most recently, she contributed to the book Soul Sisters by Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, which consists of uplifting personal stories and prayers designed to encourage the reader during challenging life experiences.

"Lorraine Hansberry has given the world a priceless jewel in the writing of this timeless play," said Ms. Owens. "From the moment it premiered it offered insight on the plight of African Americans in urban cities, and it continues to speak to the racial issues that are facing our country today. The 'American Dream,' for some in this nation, comes after enormous perseverance and tenacity. But for many, it simply doesn’t come at all. So, what can be discovered by taking a look from the view of those who get weary while waiting on the manifestation of their dream? Perhaps, by experiencing this play, it takes us on a journey of personal discovery and enlightenment which leads us to a path of a clearer understanding of the importance of social justice and equality through the power of love for one another.”
Starletta DuPois will play Lena "Mama” Younger. She appeared in the premiere of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, directed by Lloyd Richards, in which she created the role of Bernice, and numerous productions of A Raisin in the Sun that have allowed her to play all three major female roles in Ms. Hansberry's play. Her most enduring performance was as Ruth, in the 1989 American Playhousefilm version based on the Roundabout staging, and earned her the NAACP Image Award. The cast included Danny Glover, Esther Rolle, and Kim Yancey. In December 2009 she played Lena Younger at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, England, garnering another Best Actress Award. Additional theatre credits include award-winning performances in St. Louis Black Rep's Intimate Apparel, King Hedley II and Before it Hits Home, as well as productions of Richard Wesley's The Mighty Gents, for which she received a Tony nomination, and Miss Evers' Boys, which earned an NAACP Image Award nomination. Ms.DuPois received the Eternity Award from the L.A. Women's Theatre Festival and the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival.

“A true gift at this point in my career is having experienced the life of this play through three extraordinary women characters that the playwright created. "I am always amazed how every time I read the script I glean something else. The challenge in this particular role is that Mama’s character is written in patois, and I want to stay true to the language that Lorraine wrote.” - Starletta DuPois; Lena “Mama” Younger

This award-winning cast also includes Redaric Williams, Charlotte Williams, Angelle Brooks, Jaden Martin, Mohirah Hall, Kristian Kordula, Josh Drennen, and Jarard Kings

The production team includes John Ruskin and Michael Myers (Producers), Mike Reilly (Production Manager/Lighting Designer), Ryan Wilson (Set Design), Sarah Figoten Wilson (Costume Design), Chip Bolcik (Sound Design), Eric Barron (Set Dressing and Props), Paul Ruddy (Casting) and Nicole Millar (Stage Manager).

A Raisin in the Sun opens on Friday, July 22 and runs through Saturday, September 17, 2016 with performances at the Ruskin Group Theatre at 3000 Airport Avenue, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. For tickets and information call 310-397-3244 or visit www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.

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Authors

• Lorraine Hansberry

Tony Awards and Nominations for A Raisin in the Sun