Raisin Cycle Documentary Set to Air on PBS

PBS and CENTERSTAGE announce "A Raisin in the Sun Revisited: The Raisin Cycle at Center Stage," a documentary special that follows the process of mounting The Raisin Cycle from the first rehearsal through the openings of both Clybourne Park and Beneatha's Place. The 60-minute special is slated to be broadcast nationally on Friday, October 25, at 9 pm ET, as part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival 2013.

"A Raisin in the Sun Revisited: The Raisin Cycle at Center Stage" explores the impact of Lorraine Hansberry's groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun, in its many iterations and through the staging of two productions currently being produced in repertory at CENTERSTAGE-Bruce Norris' Clybourne Park and Kwame Kwei-Armah's Beneatha's Place. This unusual and evocative PBS Arts special is presented in association with Maryland Public Television and independent public television filmmakers John Paulson and James Arntz.

"How thrilling it is to partner with PBS on this project," said Kwei-Armah. "When I first came to CENTERSTAGE, one of my goals was to expand the role of this theater in civic discussions, not just locally but nationally. A Raisin in the Sun Revisited is the perfect opportunity to both explore the social impact of great art and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around race and class in our nation."

The "A Raisin in the Sun Revisited" special will feature scenes from CENTERSTAGE's productions of Clybourne Park andBeneatha's Place as well as excerpts from film and television productions of A Raisin in the Sun. Interviews with the Raisin Cycle creative team, backstage b-roll, commentary on the impact of Lorraine Hansberry's work, newsreel footage, and audience discussions will allow the program to explore the legacy of A Raisin in the Sun and examine current and historical perspectives on race, property, neighborhoods, and gentrification.

"A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful story of perseverance that arts followers have come to know and love, and we think our viewers will be just as interested in learning more about the Clybourne Park and Beneatha's Place storylines," said PBS Vice President of Programming Donald Thoms. "PBS is committed to giving millions of viewers a front-row seat and a backstage pass to the best music, theater, dance, art, and cultural history programs on-air and online, and we're excited that CENTERSTAGE will provide us with great content to feature this fall."

"A Raisin in the Sun Revisited: The Raisin Cycle at Center Stage" is part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival, a multi-platform event anchored by seven films that highlight artists and performances from around the country, and related online content that together invite every American into the worlds of music, theater, opera and cultural history. The PBS Arts Fall Festival airs Fridays at 9 pm beginning October 18.