Pioneering theatre company, Headlong have released full casting and creatives for their fresh new staging of A Raisin in the Sun…
Gilbert Kyem Jnr will play George, Kenneth Omole will play Joseph/Bobo and Doreene Blackstock will play Lena. The role of Travis will be performed by Jayden Dias, Josh Ndlovu and Adiel Magaji in Leeds and Oxford, and by Jeriah Kibusi and Oliver Dunkley in London and Nottingham.
They join the previously announced Joséphine-Fransilja Brookman who will play Beneatha, Cash Holland who will play Ruth, Solomon Israel who will play Walter Lee and Jonah Russell who will play Karl.
The premiere takes place next month (13-28 Sept) at Leeds Playhouse; The production then goes on to play at Oxford Playhouse (2-5 Oct), Lyric Hammersmith Theatre (8 Oct – 2 Nov) and Nottingham Playhouse (5-16 Nov).
Groundbreaking and challenging, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun broke barriers as the first play by a Black woman on Broadway. This classic family drama full of humour and heart remains relevant and powerful in a world still divided by inequality.
In a rented apartment on Chicago’s South Side, the Younger family is full of hope, dreams, grief, and big plans. Their beloved 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.
Her daughter Beneatha has her heart set on becoming a doctor. But her son Walter Lee thinks the money is his to spend — and he’s willing to sacrifice his values and his family to get what he wants. Each must face what it means to escape the confines of a segregated society. How do you create a meaningful life in a world designed to keep you down?
Director Tinuke Craig:
“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 Headlong, Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse co-production
A Raisin in the Sun
Writer – Lorraine Hansberry
Director – Tinuke Craig
Leeds Playhouse
13 -28 September 2024
leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Oxford Playhouse
2 – 5 Oct 2024
oxfordplayhouse.com
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
8 Oct – 2 Nov 2024
lyric.co.uk
Nottingham Playhouse
5 Nov – 16 Nov 2024
nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
