AMERICAN CLASSIC A RAISIN IN THE SUN OPENS UK TOUR IN THE STUDIO
Ground-breaking American play A Raisin in the Sun begins its UK tour in the Studio Theatre from Thursday 28 January to Saturday 13 February. A co-production between Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield-based Eclipse Theatre Company and Belgrade Coventry, the play, written by Lorraine Hansberry on the cusp of the civil rights era, tackles issues of injustice, discrimination and family tensions.
The powerful drama centres on the Youngers who are awaiting the arrival of a cheque for a life changing $10,000. Driven to conflict as they encounter issues of inequality, housing and lack of opportunity that continue to resonate today, the play acts as a stark warning to anyone who measures happiness and personal worth in capital gain.
Ashley Zhangazha plays Walter Lee Younger, one of the great roles of American theatre. Widely regarded as one to watch following performances in Henry V for the Michael Grandage Company and alongside Lenny Henry in Fences in the West End, Ashley won the 2013 Ian Charleson Award for his performance in Macbeth at the Crucible. He will be joined by Angela Wynter as Mama, well-known to audiences for her many TV roles including Yolande Trueman in EastEnders. Completing the company are Alisha Bailey (Lewis, Doctor Who) as Ruth Younger, Aron Julius (Puppy Love) as Joseph Asagia/George Murchison, Mike Burnside as Karl Lindner, Everal A Walsh as Bob andSusan Wokoma (Chewing Gum) as Beneathea Younger.
Following its debut on Broadway in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry adapted her play into a critically-acclaimed film starring Sidney Poitier as Walter. Testament to its continuing power and relevance, A Raisin in the Sun has been revived numerous times in the intervening years and this production provides a timely re-evaluation of her work as one of the most significant American playwrights of the period.
Tickets for A Raisin in the Sun can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office in-person, by phone on 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and are priced from £12.00 (Concessions, school and group discounts available). A transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 online) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office (excluding cash).