Published On:Wednesday, August 25, 2010

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

IN its time, the1959 successful theatrical play A Raisin In the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry portrayed an unprecedented representation of black life with its universal tone of optimism.

A Bahamian playwright and director, Patrice Francis has written a drama, entitled Sun Slappers, that is based loosely on the central plot of A Raisin In the Sun.

In Sun Slappers, the Rahming family of Augusta Street, Nassau, struggles with poverty and inner conflict as they strive for a better way of life.

After the man of the house passes away, Pear Rahming (mother) is left as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. This sudden financial windfall, could mean liberation from poverty or personal ruin for the black family.

Each of member of the family has an idea of the way they want to spend the insurance. Mama dreams of moving out of the "ghetto" and has her eyes set on a beautiful home in the suburbs in the east. Her son Lenard opposes the idea of getting a new home. Instead he wants to invest the money into opening a webshop since he believes it will solve the family's financial problems. And Gaby(daughter) wants to use to money pay tuition obligations for medical school.

"The entire play is competition, a competition for who has the better idea and the better dream," Patrice Francis told Sun Slappers is really about Pear Rahming seeing her children for who they really are and discovering things about them she didn't know. Lenard ends up violating his mother's trust," she said.

The play has been adapted to suit a Bahamian audience. It is set in contemporary Bahamian society and Bahamian colloquialism is prevalent throughout the script.

Unlike the original ending of A Raisin in the Sun there is an interesting turn of events in Sun Slappers.

Challenge

"The playing doesn't end like the movie. There is a twist to the ending where Pear Rahming has the upper hand," she said.

Ms Francis said it is challenging getting things together for play. However rehearsals have been great and all of the actors and actresses are becoming more and more comfortable with their roles.

"The play is made up of both veteran and amateur actors and actresses. They are doubling up on roles so it was kind of difficult for them to get into character," she said.

And now that its is almost to open the curtain she said she is pleased the play is coming together. "It is a forum for beginning actors to showcase their talent. There is so much that they learnt through the entire experience," she said.

Bahamian are encouraged to come out to an entertaining night.

"This is a story that a Bahamian audience will recognise and resonate with. It's an opportunity to see new and wholesome entertainment.

She added: "They will laugh and there is certainly an opportunity to reflect on how we treat our dreams and the dreams of others and reflect on the power of a family to rebound when something as sacred as trust is violated," Ms Francis explained.

Sun Slappers is a Players of Light Production and will be held at the Dundas Theatre on Thrusday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm. Ticket can be purchased at the Dundas box office.

For more information call 393-3728, or 394-7179.