A Raisin in the Sun
Ratings76
Average rating3.8
This groundbreaking play starred Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeill, Ruby Dee and Diana Sands in the Broadway production which opened in 1959. Set on Chicago's South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena, called Mama. When her deceased husband's insurance money comes through, Mama dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans, however: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school.
The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Sacrifice, trust and love among the Younger family and their heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration. Winner of the NY Drama Critic's Award as Best Play of the Year, it has been hailed as a "pivotal play in the history of the American Black theatre." by Newsweek and "a milestone in the American Theatre." by Ebony.
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First published in 1959, this plays tells the story of a poor African American family during the 1950's. They are waiting for an insurance check since Walter Sr., Mama's husband passed away. This play has 3 generations of a family living in a two-bedroom apartment. This play is a 3-3.5/5 stars for me. I enjoyed the messages in this story and the overall themes but I found most of the characters to be unlikeable and annoying. I am a very character driven reader so if I don't like the characters or dislike them in a good way, the book or play just won't impact me. I did like some of the characters like Benetha and her whole situation but the other characters were just too annoying to me. The message in this play is fantastic though.
A heartwarming (at times frustrating) play about being a black family living in Chicago in the 1950's. I enjoyed it, but don't have any strong feelings about it.
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