There Will Also Be Talk Back Sessions/ Panels After Several of the Performances
Nationwide — Carrie’s Touch, a Black-owned breast cancer awareness organization, is proud to announce the upcoming production of Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic play, A Raisin in the Sun, directed by James Ellison, III, the esteemed Actor and Artistic Director of Celebration Arts. The production will kick off opening night on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 7pm to 9pm PST, followed by a full run through Sunday, September 29, 2024. This isn’t just theater—it’s a revolution in how stories are told and experienced.
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun comes to the West Sacramento Black Box Theater Community Center this fall. Directed by James Ellison, III, with a unique and transformative experience that honors the original play while offering a fresh, healing perspective. In conjunction with the production, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in “Talk Back” sessions, where audiences get to participate in discussions about the play’s relevance to societal ills and its impact on mental health. This initiative is part of Carrie’s TOUCH’s broader mission to use theater as a tool for community healing and understanding.
A Raisin in the Sun dives into the struggles of a Black family in 1950s Chicago, tackling deep issues like racial injustice and generational conflict. It’s a powerful exploration of systemic oppression, sparking crucial conversations, and fostering healing and hope.
“I am thrilled to be working with such an incredible cast on the iconic classic A RAISIN IN THE SUN.” said director James Ellison, III. He continues, “It’s an honor to bring this powerful story to life and share its enduring impact with our audience.”
About Carrie’s Touch
Carrie’s Touch is on a mission to shatter complacency and ignite a new conversation in the fight against breast cancer. Did you know that there is a 41% mortality gap between Black and White women? That’s right, Black women have a 41% greater chance of dying from breast cancer. We are determined to #EndThe41Percent. As Carrie’s Touch approaches its 18th year in serving the community, we continue to take bold, innovative, and progressive steps to address the more than 20-year, 41 percent mortality disparity. This disparity has had a devastating impact on the mental and emotional well-being of Black women, their families, and their communities.
Why is a breast cancer organization producing this iconic play? Carrie’s Touch President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Tammie Denyse, a nearly 20-year breast cancer survivor, reflects on the challenges of juggling daily life while battling breast cancer.
Rev. Tammie first encountered A Raisin in the Sun three decades ago. Faced with trauma and loss, and after a ten-year hiatus from theater, she made a powerful return to the stage as Lena Younger with Celebration Arts in 2023. “Theater has served as a tool for healing my entire life. It was no surprise that Mama and I healed on stage together,” says Rev. Tammie.
She continues, “That’s where the idea came from for us to marry what we do here at Carrie’s Touch on a daily basis with my love and passion for theater.” Lorraine Hansberry was not just a playwright but a relentless advocate for civil rights, wielding her voice to challenge racial injustice and demand change.
Ms. Hansberry’s own battle with cancer, which claimed her life at just 34, mirrors the struggles faced by many of the Black women being supported at Carrie’s Touch. By reviving this play, tribute is being paid not only to Ms. Hansberry’s revolutionary spirit but it also amplifies the fight against breast cancer, turning the stage into a platform for resistance and empowerment.
TICKET INFORMATION:
A Raisin in the Sun begins performances in West Sacramento Black Box Theater Community Center on Friday, September 13th, and will run through Sunday, September 29th, with an official press opening on Thursday, August 15th.
Full-price single tickets can be accessed by visiting the Eventbrite ticketing page, the official website at CarriesTouch.org, or by calling 916-931-8853.
Discounted tickets will be offered to students and seniors with valid IDs. The performance schedule is Thursday through Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm PST.
For press inquiries, contact info@carriestouch.org or 916-931-8853.
