A Raisin in the Sun at Leeds Playhouse

Described as the “play that changed American theatre forever” (The New York Times), Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun was the first play by a Black woman on Broadway. Set in the 1950s, the play charts the story of a black family living in South Chicago, as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of their beloved father.

Tackling themes around housing discrimination, racism and cultural assimilation, A Raisin in the Sun has been listed as one of the best plays ever written by The Independent and Time Out. Groundbreaking and challenging, this classic family drama – which was first performed in New York in 1959 – continues to strike a chord in a world still grappling with inequality 65 years later.

Living in a rented apartment, the Younger family is full of hope and big plans. Their father has died and the money from his life insurance policy could change their lives. Mama wants to put down roots in a home of her own and her daughter Beneatha has her heart set on becoming a doctor. However, her son Walter Lee can’t wait to get his hands on the money, and he’s willing to sacrifice everything – including his family – to get what he wants.

The timely production of this powerful classic will see director Tinuke Craig once again join forces with leading UK theatre company Headlong, following the success of their production of Jitney in 2021.

Of the production, Tinuke Craig told us, “It is a privilege to once again work alongside the creative powerhouse that is Headlong, in their 50th year after collaborating on Jitney in 2021, whilst continuing my ongoing Artistic Associate role with Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Now, the time is right to bring Lorraine Hansberry’s classic A Raisin in the Sun back to the stage in a relevant, fresh new production for today.”

A Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Headlong, Leeds Playhouse & Nottingham Playhouse co-production.