Successful run for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

Theatre VCU’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” gives viewers a glimpse of the Youngers, a low-income African-American family in the 1950s trying to overcome economic struggles. Directed by Jennifer L. Nelson, “A Raisin in the Sun,” first raised eyebrows when it debuted on Broadway in 1959 because it was the first Broadway play written by an African-American woman (Lorraine Hansberry) and featured a mostly African-American cast.

The play introduces us to Walter Younger (Calvin McCullough), a limousine driver tired of being stuck in the same dead-end job, and as a result is taking his frustration out on everyone around him, especially his wife Ruth (Chardonee E. Noel) and his mother, Lena (Tawnya Pettiford-Wates).

Tensions between Walter and other family members heighten as they contemplate what to do with their late-father’s insurance money. Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor store while his mother has a secret plan to invest in something that will benefit the entire family. The play reaches a boiling climax leaving viewers to wonder what is going to happen to the money.

Wates shines as her character desperately tries to not allow financial issues to tear her family apart.

While Walter and Ruth are dealing with marital problems, Walter becomes more disillusioned with life and begins to skip work. Ruth learns she is pregnant and contemplates whether or not she should get an abortion. Fearing Walter’s increasing temper and the cost of another baby, Ruth wildly fights with her husband. Through elaborate bickering, Noel and McCullough showcase their chemistry, increasingly engaging the audience in the plot line.

Amidst the drama, Beneatha Younger (Jasmine Coles), who plays Walter’s sister, provides comic relief as she struggles to embrace her African-American roots by growing out an afro and dressing in traditional African clothing. Coles manages to add an unconventional side to Beneatha by challenging the existence of God in a religious household and by dreaming of going to medical school.

A scene featuring Walter’s and Ruth’s wild interpretations of a traditional African dance made the audience roar with laughter. Other highlights included the awkward encounter between Walter’s and Beneatha’s Nigerian college-educated boyfriend, Joseph Assagai (Donnie Joyner).

McCullough’s and Joyner’s interaction shows two characters with different economic backgrounds, and their contrasting ideas on how to succeed. Walter feels deprived of an education, and defensively mocks Joseph’s “college” fashion. On the other hand, Joseph disregards Walter because of his economic status, which angers Walter further.

The themes of bitterness and insecurity constantly appear in the play, bringing audience members into the emotional turmoil the characters face.

The cast of “A Raisin in the Sun,” plays undeniably believable roles making the audience feel as if they are peering inside the Younger’s quaint-but-run-down Chicago apartment.

The play—filled with uncomfortable, funny and serious moments-takes the audience through an emotional rollercoaster, deeply immersed in a character’s inner conflict one moment, and five seconds later, laughing at their comedic side. The final product is a play that is so professionally done that Theatre VCU’s version of “A Raisin in the Sun,” might as well have been the real Broadway production.