AIC Students to Perform A Raisin in the Sun

Springfield, MA, April 24, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The Theater Arts Program at American International College will offer a production of Lorraine Hansberry’s, "A Raisin in the Sun," April 25, 26 and 27. Set on Chicago’s South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family.

AIC Assistant Professor of Theater Arts and Director of Theater Frank Borrelli of West Springfield said, the story at its core focuses on a family's ability to rise above generational, financial and societal challenges to move forward to a triumphant end. "We must teach our students to rise above adversity, to seek light where there is darkness and to have pride in themselves."

The play will be performed in the Griswold Theatre at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. All performances are open to the public free of charge. Donations will be accepted.

Borrelli said the choice of "A Raisin in the Sun" is in keeping with the college's commitment to producing plays about issues that promote dialogue and social change. "Theater is a tool that can be used to affect social change and can be used to establish social discourse," he said. "If we do not take the opportunity to challenge our students and present unpopular or difficult subject matter through artistic expression they will never become a part of the bigger conversation that all active citizens must be a part of. We want our students to be vocal about the issues that concern them."

The cast features AIC students Jalil Oates of Elizabeth N.J., as Walter Lee Younger; Nengi Omegbekuse of Worcester, as Ruth Younger; Dawn Shaw of New Britain, Conn., as Beneatha Younger; Elizabeth Williams of Eugene, Oregon, as Lena Younger; and Travis McNulty of Enfield, Conn., as Travis Younger.

Also in the cast are Shane Duplice of Quaker Hill, Conn., as Mr. Karl Lindner; Casey William Hines of Starke, Fla., as George Murchinson; Samuel Walker of Yonkers N.Y, as Joseph Asagai; and Kyle Jamison of Springfield as Bobo.

The racial issues that permeate the story are still relevant today, according to Borrelli. "It has been stated that we now live in a post racial society that does not see color. Although that would be ideal, it is not the reality of the situation at hand. There is a very active conversation still brewing surrounding race and cultural identity that is shifting and changing as new generations come to the table. Our students bring ideas and concerns to our administration and faculty that force us to think critically about our own actions and our ability to be culturally aware," he said.