This September, Leeds Playhouse will join forces with leading theatre companies Headlong, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse for a new, contemporary staging of A Raisin in the Sun by director Tinuke Craig (Trouble in Butetown, Jitney, Crave, The Color Purple).

The production will play in the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 13-28 September ahead of a UK tour visiting Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse, and also Oxford Playhouse.

Groundbreaking, pioneering and challenging, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun broke barriers as the first play by a Black woman on Broadway. This classic play remains relevant and powerful in a world still divided by inequality.

Director Tinuke Craig said: “It is a privilege to once again work alongside the creative powerhouse that is Headlong in their 50th year after collaborating on Jitney in 2021 whilst continuing my ongoing Artistic Associate role with Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Now, the time is right to bring Lorraine Hansberry’s classic A Raisin in the Sun back to the stage in a relevant, fresh new production for today.”

Artistic Director James Brining said: “It is wonderful to be welcoming both Tinuke and Headlong back to the Playhouse and celebrating with them as part of their 50^th anniversary year.  Our partnership has been extremely fruitful over the years, with a number of excellent productions including Spring Awakening, Pygmalion, Jitney and most recently Henry V. I know all the companies collaborating on this project have a genuine commitment to sharing stories that resonate with their audiences in a profound way and also explore the importance of dreaming big and the family around you and it’s a pleasure to be working with them on this groundbreaking play.”

In a rented apartment on Chicago’s South Side, the Younger family is full of hope, dreams, grief, and big plans. Their beloved father has died, and the money from his life insurance policy could change their lives. Mama wants to put down roots in a home of her own. Her daughter Beneatha has her heart set on becoming a doctor. But her son Walter Lee thinks the money is his to spend — and he’s willing to sacrifice his values and his family to get what he wants. Each must face what it means to escape the confines of a segregated society. How do you create a meaningful life in a world designed to keep you down?

A Raisin in the Sun plays in Leeds Playhouse’s Courtyard theatre from 13-28 September. Tickets are on sale to Leeds Playhouse’s Priority Access, Playhouse Pass Members and Under 30 Scheme from 15 February, with tickets on general sale from 22 February.