Review by Art Segal, special to the Blog
Taproot Theatre, on North 85th Street in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, is presenting a riveting new production of the ground-breaking 1959 classic, A Raisin in the Sun featuring a cast of supremely gifted Seattle-based actors, many of whom are already familiar to Taproot audiences.
A Raisin in the Sun focuses on the soul-bending dilemmas of a multi-generational black family in suburban America. Struggling with the normal stresses and problems of parenthood, they see their lives upended when their mother, Lena (“Mama”) unexpectedly receives a check in the amount of $10,000 and quickly sends a down payment of $3,500 for a house in an all-white neighborhood of Chicago. She then writes instructions for her adult son and daughter to use the rest of the money to help their children progress in their lives.
In the words of director Bretteny Beverly, “I firmly believe that Hansberry’s (the author’s) timeless work has something to say to audiences of all ages.” The play offers a profound exploration of race, class and social identity, while delving into the timeless themes of family dreams and personal struggle.
Several rhetorical questions arise in our minds as we watch this play unfold: Did Mama make the right decision to send money for a down payment, without conferring with her adult son and daughter? The tension onstage peaks when an unexpected guest knocks at their door, carrying papers for the family members to sign (this is the scene pictured above). Travis invites the visitor to sit on the living room sofa, but he becomes increasingly outraged and orders the man to leave and “shows him the door” with the papers unsigned.
With its mesmerizing acting, this play will bring you inside the family’s most challenging days and raise your awareness of the dilemmas they face. Don’t miss this extraordinary experience!
Tickets for A Raisin in the Sun are available online at taproottheatre.org, by phone at 206.781.9707 (Tue-Sat, noon-5:00 PM), or in person at 204 N 85th St. Ticket prices range from $25-62 with discounts available for students, seniors, active military, 25 & Under and TeenTix members. Discounts will also be available for groups of 8 or more by calling 206.781.9708 or by visiting taproottheatre.org/group-sales.
