PREMIERED 2016
A Raisin in the Sun is seen as one of the most symbolic, referenced and best-known plays within the American canon. The work of the American Lorraine Hansberry has been translated into more than twenty languages. In 2016 Well Made Productions made history by bringing A Raisin in the Sun to the Dutch theatres for the first time.
The play is a tragic family drama about clinging to dreams, which threaten to dry up in the speed of life. The Younger family eagerly awaits the money from the deceased father’s life insurance policy. Each family member has their own idea of how the money can best be spent. Mother Lena wants to buy a house in a good, white neighbourhood. Son Walter Lee has set his sights on investing in a liquor store to provide financial security for the family. Progressive daughter Beneatha prefers to study medicine with the money. The family members find themselves diametrically opposed to each other with their dreams. In the end, Lena makes the decision and from that moment on, life turns around. A Raisin in the Sun is a universal story about family ties that bend (but don’t break) under the pressure of reciprocal struggles and social systems. The persistent question remains: what remains of the family when one’s own dreams are put off for too long?
Press
In The Netherlands, more than half a century after Hansberry, little repertoire is written from a black perspective for black actors. (…) The young company Well Made Productions is making a laudable and more than successful attempt to change this by putting ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ on Dutch stage for the first time. (…) ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ deserves, in short, a large and as diverse audience as possible. Read more…
Trouw ★★★★☆
The Younger family are people, with their own dreams and flaws. People that everyone can identify with. A Raisin in the Sun serves a large, culturally diverse audience. And that doesn’t happen often enough in Dutch theatre. Read more…
Theaterkrant ★★★★☆
Director Teunkie van der Sluijs clearly has a universal, timeless drama in mind, which makes it all too clear that the themes of this performance are still pressing today. Esther Duysker wrote a sharp adaptation, which is both moralistic and disarming. Read more…
Het Parool ★★★★☆
Public
A justified standing ovation of several minutes, at the premiere of A Raisin in The Sun, yesterday. The performance is compelling, impressive, with humour and many recognizable themes for everyone! Go see it!
So much to think about on the way home that I had no trouble staying awake at this late hour. I have really seen a great performance in Almere. “A Raisin in The Sun” is one not to miss!
The evening is one big (life) experience and the spectator is involved with body and soul in the lives of the characters. … ” A Raisin in the Sun is a MUST SEE that fascinates from beginning to end.
Magnificent. Rarely so touched by a performance. Deep bow to cast & crew.
Cast
Jetty Mathurin as Lena Younger
Mandela Wee Wee as Walter Lee Younger
Samora Bergtop as Ruth Younger
Joy Wielkens and Djamila Landbrug as Beneatha Younger
Yannick Jozefzoon and Yamill Jones as Travis Younger
Andre Dongelmans and Adam Kissequel as Joseph Asagai / George Murchison
Yorick Zwart as Mr. Karl Lindner
Crew
Text Lorraine Hansberry
Direction Teunkie van der Sluijs
Translation Esther Duysker
Dramaturgy Karim Ameur
Sound design Ata Guner
Lighting design Floriaan Ganzevoort
Decor design Niek Kortekaas and Sjoerd Kortekaas
Costumes Nicky de Jong
Technique Noud Nijssen and Bart Bosman
Executive production Jitske Weijand and Dimphey Tese
Assistant production & technique Kelly Hoekstra
Publicity Cat van der Voort and Bernice Vreedzaam
Graphic design Design Guys
Photography Jean van Lingen
Production Well Made Productions
Co-production 114 crowdfunders
Funds
Stichting Melanie, AFK, Performing Art Fund NL, FONDS21, Democracy & Media Foundation, DOEN
Photo: Jean van Lingen