AJC.com > Talk of the town > Archives > 2008 > February > 26
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Are issues in “Raisin” still relevant today?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In 1959, “A Raisin in the Sun” opened in New York, becoming the first play by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway.
The Lorraine Hansberry emotional play dealt with the social attitudes of the day and the myriad struggles of old ways versus new, racial pride and feminism within an African American family and the community.
Sidney Poitier originated the role of Walter Lee Younger. Conflict arises in the Chicago area family after the matriarch, Lena, receives an insurance check that everyone wants to pursue their dreams.
The title comes from the opening lines of “Harlem”, a poem by Langston Hughes: “What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun?”
The ABC film version aired last night and starred Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald.
Do you think the film’s themes are still relevant today? Have you dealt with similar issues within your family?
