By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 02/25/2023
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
These words from the poetry of Langston Hughes served as the inspiration for the play “A Raisin in the Sun” and later its Tony Award-winning musical reimagining, “Raisin.”
Focused on the dreams and desires of a struggling Black family in 1950s Chicago, “Raisin” celebrates the persistence and resolve of a family at a crossroads.
Jersey Arts visits the Axelrod Performing Arts Center to speak with the creative team behind the show and learn more about its 50th Anniversary performance of “Raisin,” on stage Feb. 24 - March 12.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
