Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” is said to be one of the most celebrated plays performed in American history.
On Friday, Oct. 10, I attended the 7:30 p.m. performance of “A Raisin in the Sun” at the Fresno State Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre.
The story follows the Youngers, a fifth-generation African American family living in the South Side of Chicago, looking for a better life. The family faces the challenge of staying united while trying to chase their separate American dreams. Their lives change when Mama, the head of the household, receives a $10,000 insurance check from her deceased, beloved husband.
I had my first experience with this play when I took an online drama course during the COVID-19 pandemic, where I critiqued the 1989 film by Bill Duke. However, seeing the live performance in modern times left me with an even more powerful connection to the story.
The play was performed by Fresno State students, alumni and talented community members.
When I first walked into the theatre, I instantly felt at home. The setup was warm and small but overall cozy. I felt like a butterfly on the wall, completely welcome. I noticed the vintage two-door refrigerator, a patterned floral sofa topped with a quilt and brown wooden floors. The dining table was also wooden, with two chairs on each side and one chair at each end. In the play, Ruth Younger later referred to their home as a rat trap, but I couldn’t find myself able to agree with her.
Before the start of the first scene, Director Thomas-Whit Ellis invited the audience to participate in the flow of the performance. He shared that students’ grades solely depend on the reactions and comments portrayed by the present audience sitting in the theatre. Never in a live performance had I found myself so free to laugh and openly comment without shame or judgment.
Talented actors, comprehensive characters
Lena Younger, also known as Mama, stood as the heart and soul of the family. She was played by Fresno community member Levetta Walker.
Walter Lee Younger, played by alumni Teroy Roberts, was best known for his vibrant, loud energy. One of the most unforgettable moments of the play was when Walter Lee cried to Mama about her crushing his dreams as a 35 year old. As he was running out, a woman in the audience yelled, “crybaby” loud enough for the whole room to collectively laugh out loud.
Ruth Younger, played by Ananda Desirea, a senior majoring in theater arts with an emphasis in education, was the mother to 10-year-old Travis and the wife of Walter Lee. Besides being a dedicated wife and household warmer, there is unfortunately nothing learned about who she is beyond her duties and identities at home.
Beneatha Younger, sister to Walter Lee and daughter to Mama, stood as an icon, legend and true woman before her time. She was determined to be a first-generation doctor and never let anyone dim her shine. Her character was played by Marazay Ashford, a senior majoring in Theater Arts – Acting.
George Murchison, a love interest of Beneatha’s, was played by Jayvaughn Sterns Jr., a sophomore majoring in theatre arts with an emphasis in acting, and he did a wonderful job ensuring that the audience absolutely despised his character. He played a fancy and cocky college student. When Mama sees George out after insulting Beneatha, the audience was chanting “Goodnight George” as he walked out. Even for the final bow, you could hear the audience chant the statement during the character’s final goodbye.
Joseph Asagi, played by alumni Kenny Umeh, was the quirky, kind and cultured character the audience needed. He stood as the only correct love interest of Beneatha’s in my opinion, and lit up the room with his presence and stand-out personality.
Young little Travis was hilarious, and frankly the only competent male of the Younger household for a majority of the play. He was performed by a 10-year-old fifth grader, Ellis Cayden Sheppard.
Creative costumes and notable fashion takeaways
Despite the play’s expectation for women to stay home and please their families, I found that they took pride in their style. From wearing matching sets to doctors’ appointments, to displaying unique patterns and textures in their pajamas, the ladies truly popped off.
Beneatha’s clothing never missed. From the Cinderella blue nightgown, A-line date night dresses, traditional school girl uniform to her “Queen of the Nile” authentic Nigerian dress, any outfit she wore made a statement.
Hilarious little Travis was seen walking around with his high-water jeans and snug long-sleeve button-ups.
The appearance of the female African dancers blew me away. Besides their quick rhythm to the beat, their costume design was off the charts. The three dancers came out with black crisscross halter tops, animal pattern straw skirts and gold chunky necklaces, topped with glowing white dotted face painting.
I walked away from the live performance feeling like I had just seen the show of a lifetime.
Please take this as your sign to never sleep on any local performance in your community. I was amazed by the incredible work done by the performers and the entire University Theatre staff.
Though I had an edge in understanding themes of the play, I can confidently say that anyone could walk in blind and still follow the amazing story.
If you ever have the opportunity to see a live performance of “A Raisin in the Sun,” I kindly urge you not to walk, but run to get your ticket.
