To commemorate the golden anniversary of this landmark stage play, the Armstrong Atlantic State University Department of Art, Music and Theatre Masquers theatre troupe culminates its return season to Jenkins Hall with six public performances of the New York Drama Critics' Circle 1959 Award Winner for Best American Play of the Year opening April 30.
Performances: Evening performances of "A Raisin in the Sun" are April 30, May 1-2 and 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. The troupe presents one matinée performance on May 3 at 3 p.m.
In this largely autobiographical sketch, Hansberry provides us a snapshot of the constraints common to all impoverished and under served, and she credibly depicts for us an extraordinary range of conflicting emotions held by a family whose members expressively value love, trust, truthfulness, and against all odds, ambitious pursuit of the American dream.
AASU faculty member, director Elizabeth Desnoyers-Colas, Ph.D., (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When A Rainbow Is Enuf, April 2008) has assembled a stellar cast mixed with polished Masquers veterans and talented Jenkins newcomers. Colas' vision echoes Hansberry's intrepid voice-for-the-powerless that underscored tensions associated with the otherwise ignored disparate socioeconomic realities of American life during the 1950's and 60's.
Jenkins Hall Theater, located on the AASU campus (11935 Abercorn St.), has served as the home for the Masquers, AASU's student theatre troupe, for more than 40 years until last season during which the Masquers performed in various venues on campus while Jenkins Hall was amidst a multi-million dollar comprehensive renovation project funded by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. In November 2008, the Masquers christened the refurbished facility with a smash hit production of Gershwin's musical comedy "Crazy For You" and in February 2009 the troupe performed "The Full Monty" to sold-out houses over two weekends. In addition to the main stage proscenium theater, renovated Jenkins Hall now houses a black box theater and camera studio, all equipped with state of the art lighting and sound equipment. Parking is convenient, and the building is wheelchair accessible.
The Masquers theatre troupe is one of Armstrong Atlantic's oldest student organizations with its roots dating to 1937, only two years after the founding of then Armstrong Junior College. According to Peter Mellen, the director of the Masquers who has grown the program to establish and maintain a regular schedule of more than 12 student stage productions annually, "we are the most prolific college theatre program in Georgia, a resource that translates to an abundance of quality opportunities for all AASU theatre majors to build significant resumes and portfolios."
Tickets: For advance tickets, 1) visit www.finearts.armstrong.edu/ticketsales.html to secure tickets online with Visa and Master Card (per-ticket surcharge for this option); 2) call 344-2801 weekdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to purchase tickets with Visa or Mastercard; 3) visit the AASU Fine Arts Lobby Box office weekdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to purchase tickets by cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard; or 4) mail payment (check payable to AASU Department of Art, Music and Theatre) and a self-addressed, stamped envelope, including a note indicating which production/date of performance and number of tickets at each price level, to: "A Raisin in the Sun" Tickets; AASU AMT; 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31419-1997.
"A Raisin in the Sun" general admission tickets are only $10. Senior citizens, military personnel, and students/children may purchase tickets for only $8 each. AASU faculty, staff and student admission is free upon presentation of valid AASU Pirates Card. Please make checks payable to AASU Department of Art, Music & Theatre. Call 344-2801 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., weekdays, for additional ticketing information. Remaining tickets are available for purchase at Jenkins Hall one hour before each performance.
Sponsored by AASU Student Government Association and print media partner, Connect Savannah.
