‘Berg’s ‘Raisin in the Sun’ examines radial prejudice -- then and now
by Kathy McAuley
“A Raisin in the Sun” is a play about dreams, the ones we have for ourselves and the ones we want others to have. At its center is an extended black family crammed into a tiny apartment in Chicago’s South Side in the early 1950s. When they realize they are getting a modest insurance windfall, the competition begins: Whose dream should they buy'
As part of Black History Month at Muhlenberg College, the Department of Theatre & Dance staged a top-notch production of this 1959 American drama about the struggles facing minorities during decades of poverty and prejudice. Add to that their internal battles: Should they assimilate and aspire to emulate their white neighbors or should they honor their heritage and return to Africa'
The play clocks in at about three hours, so this is no light romp. But playwright Lorraine Hansberry not only captured the issues of her day, she writes about problems that are still very much with us. She allows us to walk in the other half’s shoes and invites us to get mad at the inherent bigotry in our society.
As guest director Jeffrey Page comments in the program book: “I feel like, if there was no other time, this is the time that we should be angry. We should be angry at our current political systems, health care systems, educational systems – we should be angry. This play will inspire in us the need to have conversations around what that anger means and how we can move forward.”
The dramatic backbone of this production is Kiyaana Cox Jones who plays Lena -- mother, grandmother, matriarch and muscle of the family, especially since the death of her husband. Jones plays this role naturally and flawlessly as she knits the ensemble into a compelling afghan of family dynamics. (Her actual son, Messiah James Jones, plays her grandson Travis in the play. )
She is ably supported by Jalil Robinson as her son Walter whose struggle is to define his identity as a black man while having little sense of self-worth outside his home. Nicole Morris is his lively sister Beneatha who has hopes of becoming a doctor but is tempted by a suiter (Frederick Marte) to “return” to her African heritage. Morris is delightful as she cuts off her straightened hair into a short “nappy” Afro and does a traditional Nigerian dance.
Walter’s wife, Ruth, is played as long-suffering and dutiful by Mercy Olajobi; she is wonderful as she interacts with their son Travis and he, in turn, is a delight as he portrays the high-energy 11-year old he really is.
Austin Fleury is Walter’s dutifully remorseful failed business partner; Krystal Hall is a fun caricature of the nosey friend of the family quite happy to spread bad news, and Ozzy Smith is suitably stiff and uncomfortable as the white man who must tell “you people” what to do to be safe.
Muhlenberg has produced a truly fine ensemble piece whose only real fault is that it has such a short run.
“A Raisin in the Sun,” Feb. 20-23, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance, Muhlenberg College, 2400 W. Chew St., Allentown. 484-664-3333. muhlenberg.edu/theatre.