THE RAISIN CYCLE to Tackle Race Relations, Urban Renewal and Gentrification at Wayne State

Detroit has seen its fair share of housing prejudices throughout history as seen by notable individuals such as Ossian and Gladys Sweet, and Orsel and Minnie McGhee. Both families faced adversity and discrimination in the struggle to attain property rights within city limits. Due to volatile social conditions of the 1920s, the Sweets set up armed self-defense upon purchasing their home in an all-white neighborhood, to protect against mobs formed to force them out. The McGhees faced denial of property rights on the legal stage, with their case progressing to Washington in 1948, when the Supreme Court ruled in their favor. The results of the case meant that restrictive covenants could not be enforced through any state or federal court, and called for freedom from discrimination in property rights and housing for black Americans.

Racism in the housing market in the mid-20th Century was not limited to Detroit. In connection with Detroit's history of impact from race relations, urban renewal, and gentrification and in honor of Black History Month, Theatre and Dance at Wayne announces its presentation of THE RAISIN CYCLE, a series including and stemming from Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This piece of classic theatre is a timeless representation of hope and inspiration, as three generations of the Younger family face prejudice and racism in the late 1950s. When Lena Younger purchases a house in the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park, her family must come to terms with the racial tensions, prejudices, and dislike that come with their new home. A RAISIN IN THE SUN will run from February 12-21 at the Bonstelle Theatre.

The two subsequent pieces in THE RAISIN CYCLE -- Kwame Kwei-Armah's BENEATHA'S PLACE and Bruce Norris' CLYBOURNE PARK -- act as a response to Hansberry. Together, they create a dynamic conversation around how our society looks at race and class.

CLYBOURNE PARK gives insight to the story on both sides of the racial discord. When a couple decides to sell their home in an all-white neighborhood to a black family, they face anger and hatred from their prejudiced neighbors. Fifty years later, when a white family moves into the same home in the now all-black neighborhood, old racial tensions are reignited in the struggle against gentrification. Bruce Norris' sequel in response to A RAISIN IN THE SUN illustrates the continued racial tensions facing urban neighborhoods, even after the end of recorded discrimination in property rights. CLYBOURNE PARK runs from February 26-April 2 at The Hilberry Theatre.

From 1959 to today, and from her home in Nigeria to her career at a California University, BENEATHA'S PLACE -- Kwame Kwei-Armah's response to A RAISIN IN THE SUN -- explores the power of identity as one woman confronts the fundamental questions of community and legacy. The staged readings of BENEATHA'S PLACE run February 19-28 The Studio Theatre beneath The Hilberry Theatre.

By presenting these substantial works, Theatre and Dance at Wayne aims to provide the platform for dialogue, education, and cross-cultural experiences through the Younger family's American story. Their trials continue to touch the lives of many Americans, with its legacy and meaning for black America holding true to this day. Help us explore and share this exceptional series of theatre by joining us for all three performances in the most diverse group of theaters Detroit has to offer. Tickets start at $25 for the entire experience. For more information visit: detroitraisincycle.com.

IF YOU GO:

Theatre and Dance at Wayne's THE RAISIN CYCLE

A RAISIN IN THE SUN - February 12-21 - The Bonstelle Theatre, 3424 Woodward

BENEATHA'S PLACE - February 19-28 - The Studio Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave

CLYBOURNE PARK - February 26-April 2 - The Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave

Wayne State University's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance serves students as a nexus of performance, production, and research in the fields of dance, theatre, and performance studies. It provides a wide variety of degree programs that allow students the flexibility to study these disciplines broadly or to concentrate more specifically in performance, design, or management.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.

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