A Raisin in the Sun

This edition presents the fully restored, uncut version of Hansberry's landmark work with an introduction by Robert Nemiroff. Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning drama about the hopes and aspirations of a struggling, working-class family living on the South Side of Chicago connected profoundly with the psyche of Black America—and changed American theater forever. The play's title comes from a line in Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem," which warns that a dream deferred might "dry up/like a raisin in the sun." "The events of every passing year add resonance to A Raisin in the Sun," said The New York Times. "It is as if history is conspiring to make the play a classic." Through its rich characters and compelling dialogue, Lorraine Hansberry's groundbreaking work addresses issues of identity, family, and social justice. As the family grapples with the decision of how to use a $10,000 insurance check following the death of the patriarch, their differing visions for the future create tension and conflict. A Raisin in the Sun remains a timeless exploration of hope and resilience, resonating with audiences across generations.