THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511030524
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
The Lorraine Hansberry classic gets a classic treatment by the Elizabeth City State University Players.
``A Raisin in the Sun,'' like life itself, is a mixture of laughter and tears.
The dialogue is theater at its best; those delivering the dialogue are performers at their best.
At first, some of the actors appear a little stiff, but it doesn't take them long to dig into their characters.
Under Shawn Smith's brilliant-as-usual direction, they lose their personal identities and become this somewhat dysfunctional black Chicago family of the 1950s.
They live in poverty, although the handsome set looks more middle class. One of the lines in the play expresses the situation better: ``I have an acute case of ghetto-itis.''
The Younger family, dividing their time between loving each other and barking at each other, is headed by Mama. That's Dorothy O. Wills, offering another four-star performance. Her dialogue, movement, action and reaction show she can do no wrong. Totally, totally convincing.
The light of her life and the bane of her life is her son, Walter Lee. Shaunell McMillan handles the role well, a role that calls for a variety of moods. He loves his wife, he does not; he is sober, he is drunk. He is a volcano.
Above all, he is ambitious. His late dad left the family some money and Walter Lee wants to join some friends and open a liquor store.
Over and over and over he talks about that dream. It's old hat to his mother.
Her daughter, Beneatha, nicely played by Yushawnda Thomas, wants the money for medical school.
Will their dreams come true? That is for the playgoer to find out and, while doing so, savor some interesting performances by actors and actresses in smaller roles.
Amelia L. Pledger, an ECSU sophomore, portrays loud-mouthed neighbor Mrs. Johnson. The exaggerated performance is almost burlesque, but the young actress is so involved in the part everything works. It is a howler.
The most fascinating performer is Migue Mwaura as an African visitor, Joseph Asagai . . . talk about typecasting. He is from that continent, has a beautiful accent and, what's more, does very well with his part.
Another fascinating performer is Damond Nollan as Beneatha's wealthy, spoiled suitor, George Murchison. He has matinee-idol looks and the ability to convince you he is a schlump.
And, there is always-reliable Jim Bridges. When the Younger family buys a house in an all-white neighborhood, he drops in. His portrayal of smiling but nervous Karl Lindner is a beaut.
He explains - in a nice way, of course - they are not really welcome. The Younger clan understands the mindset - it has been part of their lives - and laugh him off and out.
Also, a nod to Dashaun Dorsey, a Pasquotank Elementary student, as Walter Lee's son, Travis. In the past, youngsters have not worked too well at the Little Theater but Dashaun, in his first performance, is warm and natural.
The play has many unforgettable lines and scenes. The best has Walter Lee talking down to wealthy George. Watch Nollan's reactions.
One line expresses the theme of the play - Walter Lee angrily telling his family, ``I'm tired of everything, tired of me, the boy, the way we live.''
``A Raisin in the Sun'' is man versus woman, young versus old, rich versus poor, black versus white.
There are resolutions. by CNB