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Virginia Repertory Theatre’s “A Raisin in the Sun” Tackles Tough Issues That Resonate with Richmond Audiences
By: In Your Shoes Media
There’s no argument. Chicago in the 1950s is a world away from what life is like there in 2018 or even what life is like here in Richmond.
However, there are enough of the same struggles, same questions and continuing conversations about poor, African American families. Enough similarities to make the Virginia Repertory Theatre’s production of the classic play “A Raisin in the Sun” resonate with audiences in central Virginia.
In the play by Lorraine Hansberry, three generations of the Younger family search for a way to squeeze out enough hope and light to keep them (and a struggling kitchen windowsill plant) alive, while trying to keep most of their dignity intact.
Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, an Associate Professor of Graduate Pedagogy in Acting and Directing at Virginia Commonwealth University, directs this production of the play, which was nominated for four Tony Awards in 1960.
Pettiford-Wates (aka Dr. T) spoke with In Your Shoes Media about why the play still matters all these years later.
Q. Why do this play? Why now?
A. First of all, Lorraine Hansberry is one of our shining stars as far as writers in the canon of American theater, but specifically in the canon of African-American theater.
It’s almost 60 years since this play first made it to Broadway and the conversation around race in this country is still a very prescient conversation.
And the [other] things that she tackles in the context of this story about the Younger family are so present and have remained present within our community. Conversations around assimilation, faith and God, manhood and the question of sexism. [Also there’s Beneatha Younger character’s] whole dilemma [over choosing] between a bougie black man and her need and desire to connect with her origin and her roots through her relationship with the Nigerian [character] Asagai.
Q. One of the major issues addressed in the play is that of accessible and affordable housing. Are there still enough current issues regarding housing and race for this play to still resonate with audiences?
A. Well, there are still places where black people can’t live. There are still places in Richmond where black people are living in slum conditions, where landlords get away with not having hot water or heat for months and months, that have infestations of rodents and insects. That is still a current condition. It’s a current condition in Richmond, where people are attempting to have the dignity to provide their children with a place to live that is safe and clean. That is still a struggle for many black people.
Q. What were the challenges and rewards of producing such a well-known and respected play?
A. challenge is that many, and I won’ t say most, because I don’t believe that most people have seen it, but many people have. And when they see something for the first time, people often keep that first impression in their mind. They can’t divorce themselves from that first impression so there are those expectations. (Note: The play also was developed into a critically-acclaimed movie in 1961 starring Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee.)
The reward [of doing the play] is that it is just an incredibly well-written story. It truly is a joy to direct something that is so well-written where the characters are so well-drawn and the conflict is so present that you don’t have to dig for it. Contemporary theater doesn’t always have a script that is this good.
Q. How have audiences in Richmond responded to your production so far? Any surprises?
A. The reaction from the audience has been overwhelming positive. I’m surprised by how much the audience talks back to the play. I was sitting in front of somebody one night [during the play] and a woman was literally talking to [the play’s characters] the entire time. She was telling people what they should say, what they should do. She had her own running commentary going. I loved that she was involved, not just spectating, and was emotionally moved so she felt like the story was speaking to her.
Q. Any final thoughts?
A. This is an opportunity for people to bring their entire family to see this show and have a conversation across generations. That is part of the brilliance of Lorraine Hansberry.
The play, which is part of The Acts of Faith Festival, runs through March 11. For more information, visit virginia rep.org
