HOUSTON, April 18, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensemble Theatre is honored to again present one of the most pivotal plays in the history of American Black theatre, Lorraine Vivian Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun". This historic play represented a landmark in its authentic prediction of Black American life and the vivid demonstration of a so gifted artist and creator. The drama is based on sacrifice, heartbreak, trust, love and the family's heroic struggle to stay together in the face of a racist, money-driven society.
When Hansberry's first play, "A Raisin in the Sun" appeared on Broadway on March 11, 1959, this talented artist became at twenty nine the youngest American playwright, the fifth woman and the only African American to date to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play of the Year. In 1961, the film version starring Sidney Poitier, won a special award at the Cannes Film Festival and Hansberry was nominated for a Screen Writer's Guild Award for the screenplay.
She was born in Chicago in 1930 on May 19 (Malcolm X's birthday), the youngest of four children. When she was eight years old, her family bought a house in a white neighborhood where the hostility and eviction they encountered led them to the federal courts where they won their discrimination case. She later attended Chicago's Art Institute and the University of Wisconsin before moving to New York in 1953. Hansberry died in 1965 of cancer and within the six years between her first play and her death, she was extraordinarily prolific. Even today, "Raisin" continues to resonate, holding the power to still reach new audiences and influence generations. It has been translated in all continents and over 30 languages, and performed in many productions abroad.
This production is directed by Elizabeth Van Dyke, a New York based director who recently directed The Ensemble's Black History Month presentation of "Waiting to be Invited". Van Dyke has a broad repertoire of both directing and acting credits and sits on the boards of the Passage Theatre in Trenton, New Jersey and the New Federal Theatre in New York City. She is also the Producing Artistic Director of "Going to the River", a program for African American Women Playwrights at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York.
The featured and talented artists include: Davi Jay Broussard, Cheray Dawn Josiah, Elayn Taylor, Jordyn Lorenz, Ted Pfister, Jared Jackson Simon, Troy Hogan, Adrian Porter, Andrew Jackson and Chancellor Johnson.
Opening Night is Thursday, May 3rd with a Media Reception at 6:30 pm prior to curtain at 7:30 pm at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. "A Raisin in the Sun" is generously supported by Spectra Energy and a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. It is rated (G) for general audiences.
"A RAISIN IN THE SUN"
Directed by Elizabeth Van Dyke
May 3-27, 2007
Performance Times
Preview Saturday April 28th 8:00 pm
Dates: Sunday April 29th 3:00 pm
Wednesday May 2nd 7:30 pm
Run Dates: Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm Matinee
For ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055.
THE ENSEMBLE
Founded by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is celebrating 30 years of uninterrupted performances during its 2006-2007 season. Each year, The Ensemble presents an annual repertoire of six critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of professional local, regional and national artists and support staff. The Ensemble is one of the largest African American professional theatre companies in the U.S. that produces its plays in-house, has a comprehensive educational outreach initiative and owns its own facility. The theatre is a non-profit organization with an annual operating budget of 1.5 million. Located at 3535 Main St. in the heart of Midtown Houston, the theatre has three stages with a total seating capacity of 725. In keeping with the late founder's vision, The Ensemble also has an educational touring program and summer young performers training program. For more information or to subscribe to our season, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com or call (713) 520-0055.