Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is a play about Walter Lee, a Black chauffeur who dreams of a better life and hopes to use his father's life insurance money to open a liquor store. Mr Lindner, a representative of the all-white neighborhood, tries to buy them out, but Walter finds a way to assert his dignity with the help of his wife. It was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Lorraine Hansberry was the youngest and first Black writer to receive this award.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Raisin in the Sun is a timeless masterpiece that resonates with audiences today, just as it did nearly fifty years ago. In the heart of south side Chicago, Walter Lee, a Black chauffeur, harbors a dream of a better life, fueled by his desire to utilize his father's life insurance money to open a liquor store. However, his mother, opposed to the liquor business, utilizes a portion of the funds to secure a suitable home for their family. Meanwhile, Mr. Lindner, a representative of the predominantly white neighborhood, attempts to buy them out. Faced with financial ruin, Walter resorts to sinking the remaining money into his business scheme, only to have it stolen by one of his partners. In a state of despair, Walter reaches out to Lindner, almost pleading for the opportunity to buy them out. With the unwavering support of his wife, Walter ultimately finds a way to reclaim his dignity.

A Raisin in the Sun holds a significant place in theater history as it was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway. It was also honored with the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon the youngest and first Black writer to receive such acclaim. Lorraine Hansberry, the visionary behind this masterpiece, was deeply committed to the Black struggle for equality and human rights. Tragically, her remarkable career was cut short at the age of 34. This new, updated edition in Methuen Drama's Modern Classics series presents the full, definitive text of A Raisin in the Sun, accompanied by a fresh introduction by Soyica Diggs Colbert.

In conclusion, A Raisin in the Sun is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and engage audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the ongoing struggle for social justice. Through its powerful characters, compelling narrative, and important themes, this play serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. As we reflect on its legacy, let us be reminded of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of a better world for all.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350234314