A Raisin in the Sun

Why watch A Raisin in the Sun?

Catch A Raisin in the Sun at the Lyric Hammersmith in October this year. The first play on Broadway to be written by a Black woman, the show is a pioneer in many ways.

The Tony-nominated drama won popular and critical acclaim and is regarded as one of the best plays ever written, despite the mixed reviews in the initial preview.

Lorraine Hansberry’s pioneering masterpiece is a profoundly outstanding family drama, full of comedy and passion, that is nevertheless relevant and vital in a society still fragmented by inequity.

The director, Tinuke Craig, known for her work on productions such as Jitney, The Colour Purple, Vassa, etc., earned the Genesis Future Director Award in 2014.

Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is a play that changed the future of the American theatre scene when it was first staged in 1959. The title of the play was taken from Langston Hughes’ poem Harlem. The influential narrative of an African American family's hopes and desires on Chicago's South Side comes to Lyric Hammersmith this year, directed by Tinuke Craig (Jitney, The Color Purple). Spectators in London can now experience its impact when it returns to the city in an exciting new revival. The play is sure to engage and challenge audiences all over again. Hansberry's revolutionary and demanding drama was the first play by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway.

Storyline

Dreams, sorrow, and plans consume the Younger family renting an apartment on Chicago's South Side. The money that came from the father’s life insurance policy could affect their lives positively. Mama plans to use the money to buy her own home, while her daughter, Beneatha, aspires to be a doctor. Her son Walter Lee, on the other hand, considers the money his, and he is willing to sacrifice his principles and his family for it. As each family member fights for their fair share of the money, they must understand what it means to break free from the constraints of an unequal society.

Lyric Hammersmith TheatreRead more

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, one of two major theaters in London to share the same name, is located in Hammersmith, London, on Lyric Square, just off King Street. It features two primary performance spaces: the Studio, which hosts smaller plays by new organizations, and the Main House, a 19th-century auditorium that preserves the original design and stages its main productions. The 125-year-old theater is run by a charity foundation, often running community projects like their Young Lyric projects that aim to provide more opportunities to young artists in London.

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Frequently asked questions about A Raisin in the Sun

How much do A Raisin in the Sun tickets cost?

Typical costs start from £10. Prices may vary depending on availability.

What is the opening date for A Raisin in the Sun?

The play will be arriving at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on 8 October 2024 .

What age group is the play appropriate for?

The show's content is suitable for all those aged above 14.

Where is A Raisin in the Sun playing in London?

The critically acclaimed play by Lorraine Hansberry is coming to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London's West End.

How long does the show run for?

The running time is 165 mins.

What is A Raisin in the Sun about?

A Raisin in the Sun is a play about a family that suddenly receives a windfall from the father’s life insurance money. It addresses issues of housing discrimination, racism, and assimilation.