A Raisin in the Sun

Few plays still feel as powerful and relevant after 50 years as they did when they debuted. A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry’s award-winning work, is one of those rare exceptions. The play’s questions about racism, poverty and the pursuit of the American dream have remained as universal as they are profound – which is why Charlie Tierney, Assistant Head of School, was delighted when the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company of Vermont agreed to perform the play at NMH on October 3 and 4.

“There’s excitement in bringing a professional theater company to campus and to the new Rhodes Arts Center,” said Tierney, who coordinated the visit. “It seemed to be the stars aligning.”

For several years, NMH had been taking 9th graders to Vermont for Weston’s riveting fall performances. When NMH Trustee Barbara (Tweedle) Freedman ’66 told the company’s artistic director about the new Rhodes Arts Center, he asked about bringing his group to campus. The coordination efforts came together in time for the fall production of A Raisin in the Sun. The play first opened on Broadway in 1959.

Following the performances, which are for students and faculty, there will be class discussions about both the play and the production. Nicole Hager, Dean of Students, said that she always loves when the NMH community can come together “around a shared experience.”

“The impact is even greater when what is shared touches on issues that are core to the human experience,” she said. “I think A Raisin in the Sun has the potential to inspire meaningful discussion and dialogue.”

Due to the limited amount of seating for the three performances, NMH is not able to accommodate special guests or parents.