The critically acclaimed stage play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, is headed to the Soweto Theatre this Heritage Month.
Despite the most daunting odds thrown at them by the third wave of Covid-19 and tighter lockdown restrictions, director Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and his stellar cast, in partnership with the US Mission to South Africa, will present A Raisin in the Sun from 11 to 17 September.
With Keketso Semoko, Nat Ramabulana, Xolile Tshabalala and Gerben Kamper in leading roles, Hansberry’s masterpiece in hope, will premiere at the Soweto Theatre with a week of double matinee performances.
This will be followed by double matinee performances at the Kroonstad Civic Theatre opening on Heritage Day, 24 September and run until 26 September.
All performances will follow strict Covid-19 protocols and are limited in audience numbers based on lockdown Level 3 regulations.
“We are able to stage A Raisin in the Sun with immense gratitude to the US Mission to South Africa. Without their financial support, we would not have been able to produce a play of this calibre and production value,” said Mofokeng wa Makhetha.
“We are also extremely grateful to the Executive Mayor, Councillor Mpho Chakane, of the Moqhaka Local Municipality who has welcomed us to Kroonstad with open arms and generous hospitality.”
Originally set in the 1950s, A Raisin in The Sun tells the story of an African American family’s desire and aspirations to move beyond segregation and disenfranchisement.
A father’s death and life insurance pay-out promise his wife and children an opportunity to rise above their circumstances. Throughout the play, there is ongoing tension between the themes of dreams and selfishness, underpinned by gender, class and race.
“This is a story of hope, at a time in history when we need it most. It is a story that gives people permission to dream again. Walter, in the play, may be African American, but he is as much African as Steven Biko.
“When you watch the play and remove the places mentioned, it is very much an African play, an African story, an African Legacy. What happens when a Walter in the Free State in the democratic South Africa has a dream to have his own house, his own company? For his son to go to his school of choice and for his wife to wear pearls?” said Mofokeng wa Makhetha.
“This production is a gift to me, the cast, crew and to every member of the audience that will experience it. What a rare opportunity to occupy a magical seat in the theatre in the time of Covid-19,” concluded Mofokeng wa Makhetha. – citylifearts.co.za
The schedule of the shows at Soweto Theatre and Kroonstad Theatre, Free State are as follows:
• Friday 10/09 – Preview at 11am
• Preview at 7pm
• Saturday 11/09 – Performance at 11am
• Official Opening Performance 3pm
• Sunday 12/09 – Performance at 3pm
• Performance at 6pm
• Tuesday 14/09 – Performance at 11am
• Performance at 3pm
• Wednesday 15/09 – Performance at 11am
• Thursday 16/09 – Performance at 11am
• Performance at 3pm
• Friday 17/09 Closing Performance at 11am.
Kroonstad Theatre:
• Thursday 24/09 – Opening Performance at 11am
• Performance at 3pm
• Friday 25/09 – Performance at 11am
• Performance at 3pm
• Saturday 26/09 – Performance at 11am
• Closing Performance at 3pm