A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, as well as the first with a black director, Mr. Lloyd Richards.

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. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans: 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. The Younger family’s heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.

“Pivotal play in the history of the American Black theatre.” -Newsweek
“A milestone in the American Theatre.” -Ebony
-NY Drama Critics Circle Best Play 1959

A Raisin in the Sun is a focal point of Ensemble’s “What Happens to A Dream Deferred” project which surrounds this production with talkbacks, poetry open mics and poetry slams, free play readings of local works inspired by the themes in Lorraine’s masterful play, and more!

“What Happens to a Dream Deferred” is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Matching support for this project was provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation.