Show:  A Raisin in the Sun

Writer:  Lorraine Hansberry

Director:  Weyni Mengesha

Actors:  Alison Sealy-Smith, Charles Officer, Abena Malika, Cara Rickets, Kofi Payton, Diego Matamoros, Awaovieyi Agie, Michael Blake, Matthew Kabwe, Barbara Barnes-Hopkins

Theatre:  Soulpepper (Young Centre for the Performing Arts)

Run:  October 15 – November 15, 2008

Reviewed By: Gabor Pertic (Toronto Correspondent)

Lorraine Hansbery’s A Raisin in the Sun shows a changing, mid-20^th century America, where one family must come to terms with their own individual notions of pride and progress. The cast of the Soulpepper production showcase a wide-range of sentiments that, at times, can work to coincide or conflict with the mandates of their own family values and morals. They face the struggles of maintaining their integrity in a world that is not willing to accept change.

With the passing of the oldest man of the house, the life insurance money they are entitled to brings about a chance for the Youngers to move on from their tiny, crumbling apartment in Chicago, into a life better suited for a family. The matriarch, Lena (played with a wonderful focus and depth by Alison Sealy-Smith), purchases a house that would certainly be a major step up from the run-down surroundings the family inhabits. The problem is, the house is in a predominately white neighbourhood, and the welcoming-committee isn’t exactly ready to welcome their potential new neighbours.

The cast, for the most part, shine in their respective roles, but the trio of Alison Sealy-Smith, Abena Malika (as Ruth, the impassioned wife who longs for a better place to raise a family), and Cara Ricketts (absolutely breathtaking as the youthful, progressive, and curious Beneatha) each deserve special mentions. The three actresses provide a captivating look at three very different generations of women, placed in various parts of a scale that ranges from old-fashioned values to modern, liberal views on life. The actresses create performances with such depth that every moment between them comes off as entirely raw and real.

Director Weyni Mengesha has created a wonderful flow to the production. The play is set entirely within the confines of the Younger home but Mengesha’s direction never feels static or flat. She has brought out both the emotional range of these characters, as well as the physical language that the family has. The action is seamless and organic, and that proves the amount of thought and work Mengesha has done to display real life on stage. Her actors bring forth a pure honesty to their parts and we really get a glimpse into their world. Furthering the organic, inspired movement, the transitions between scenes are executed with a style that provides a look beyond the walls of the Younger home, as the audience gets a glimpse of the residents of the neighbouring community.

In the second act of the play, Lena mentions the necessity of loving people when they are at their lowest. This production of A Raisin in the Sun works in providing the audience with a sense of an ultimate unified bond. As the Younger family goes through the struggles of maintaining their pride in a cynical world, we are right there with them. With a moving script, Mengesha’s solid direction, and a powerful set of actors, this production of A Raisin in the Sun is a celebration of not only the family, but also the triumphs of personal integrity.