A Raisin in the Sun
Every time my phone rang last evening on the other end was a person watching A Raisin in the Sun. I’m sure like many others, I watched to see Sean’s performance as Walter Lee Younger and I was delightfully impressed. He did a remarkable job. There were so many highs and lows, down and out parts, that by the time the "lift yourself up and dust yourself off" parts became evident you were caught-up screaming at your television, "YES!"
I loved it, because after about 15 minutes, I stopped watching it for Sean’s performance and began to follow the story. I was feeling their hope and pain and times of uncertainty.
I think I cried more last night than I’ve cried all year. When their mother (Lena Younger)realized that the money was gone and she let out that loud cry, it sent chills through my body…that’s ACTING and exactly why Phylicia Rashad won the Tony…by which she was the first African American woman to win for a lead role in a Play.
But I have to say my favorite part was when the African brother (Joseph Asagai) who was so taken by the sister (Beneatha Younger) played by (Sanaa Lathan) told her that they were all basing their entire lives on a dead man’s money…what if he had never died??? Every time he raised a point to her, to make her think and believe again herself I was inspired.
Thank you Sean for bringing such a poignant and epic tale to our television via ABC…it was an honor to watch how you’ve grown into your acting ability and I hope we have the opportunity to see you and the other members of that fine cast in many more BLACK films.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Personally I think that a raisin in the sun is bullshit. Who cares! I want to know more about hiphopgivesback. who is giving back and in what community.Is it mine? Where are these so called communities. How does this fit into my everyday structure.
March 8th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Sean-Diddy-Puffy–whatever we’re calling him today is a HIP-HOP Artist and his contribution to film, music, broadway is just that a contribution–and in itself gives back to the culture–because it lets us know that it(HIP-HOP and it’s artist) transcend just MUSIC–as far as what’s going on in your community–where do you live–maybe we can highlight what artist are doing where you’re from and if they aren’t pose the question as to why they aren’t–but ignorance is not bliss–and by not caring–you’re setting yourself up to never know…
We wanna keep this positive–
March 12th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I THOUGHT THE CAST WAS GREAT ,BUT I MUST GIVE CREDIT TO KENNY LEON FOR PUTTING SUCH A TOCHING PLAYING.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
While I credit Sean Combs with inadvertently bringing knowledge of a masterpiece to the young community, it is disheartening to see that his ego did not allow him to understand that he is FAAAAAAAAR from ready for a role of this magnitude.
To anyone who is a first timer regarding this play/movie, I implore you to see the original version and watch Sidney Poitier’s riveting portrayal…it was nearly disrespectful to see Sean’s complete lack of emotional range, desperately needed to make you feel Walter Lee…he invoked my rage, because I was so upset for having to watch these fine actors have to ACT like he was actually ACTING…please watch A Raisin In the Sun with Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee - focus only on Walter Lee, then come back any tell me if you still feel that Sean’s portrayal is spot on. If you do, consider pleading temporary insanity lol or we’ll just have to agree to strongly disagree.
Nuf Luv and Thick Hugz
Your Artist
TERRI!
March 27th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Terri: I would in no way compare Sean to Sidney–but I commend him for having enough belief in himself to take on this role. Yes, there were moments where I think he could have supplied more emotion–but overall I think he did a good job. I mean he’s a entertainer from Harlem who built a multi-million dollar business empire to include music and clothing, whose using those connections to venture into other career endeavors. THAT’S BUSINESS!
I think sometimes we get caught up in the comparison of individuals, not allowing individuals to grow into a new craft. Some actors are born with the gift–others grow into it-and I think we have to begin to allow those people to grow, especially our black actors because they are so few and far between.
No Beyonce is no Sanaa–but I’ll support her through her endeavors because it’s takes a lot of courage and strength to take on a new career—especially when people are doubting you before you start…
My point is this…if every time someone states that we shouldn’t embark on new ventures because they think we aren’t good enough or talented enough to pull it off–we’d never have so many successful people…Thank goodness people learn to take people opinions in stride.
Look at Anita Baker–that’s all I’m saying…
I agree that he’s no Sidney–I appreciate that he’s Sean–and he inspires me and others to try whatever we believe we are capable of –that God will allow.