A Raisin in the Sun debuted on Broadway in 1959 and was the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, as well as the first Broadway play with a black director (Lloyd Richards).  As the first play to portray black characters, themes, and conflicts in a realistic manner, A Raisin in the Sunreceived the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play of the Year.  Hansberry was the youngest playwright, the fifth woman, and the only black writer at that point to win the award. 

Cris Davenport (Walter Lee Younger) recently played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Meeting, and has appeared as Hambone in Two Trains Running, Walter Lee Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy, Zues inMetamorphoses, and in a national commercial for Intelligent Office.  John Moore called Cris a “superlative newcomer” in his review of Two Trains Running.  Cris received his MFA from the Actors Studio.

Gwendolyn Harris (Lena Younger) most recently performed the title role inZora at the Mercury Cafe.

Sheila Fortson’s (Ruth Younger) film credits include Letters to God (from the director of Fireproof and Facing the Giants), and commercials for Russell Stover Chocolates, Spasensials and Denver Mattress.  She received training from Act One Studios in Chicago, Liberty University, and Benjy Dobin Studios in Denver.

Joseph Fuqua Jones (Joseph Asagai) recently played Malcolm X in The Meeting, and has appeared in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Big Love.  As a theatre major, he received his BFA from Western State College.

Tyler Palmer (Travis Younger) most recently appeared in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ production of A Raisin in the Sun.

Visit www.InspireCreative.org to view the actors and director in a round table discussion of Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun.

About Inspire Creative

INSPIRE CREATIVE, INC. is a three-fold arts organization with a heart to encourage individuals to discover their artistic talents, develop them in a safe atmosphere that encourages growth rather than ego and provides them with opportunities to use those talents through exceptional performances, service, training and community. For more information on Inspire Creative, visitwww.InspireCreative.org or call (303) 790-0875.