Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry is a playwright, source material whose BroadwayWorld credits include Kicks and Co.. Awards include New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for A Raisin in the Sun (1959).
Date of Birth: May 19, 1930
Date of Death: January 12, 1965 (34)
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA
Latest News on Lorraine Hansberry:
Photos
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Source Material
Playwright
Bookwriter
See how Lorraine Hansberry connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Lorraine Hansberry from another Broadway star or creative.
Lorraine Hansberry
Connection
Movies
National Theatre Live: Les Blancs
[ 2020 ] writer
[ 2020 ] writer
Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Play
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1959 - Best American Play
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun
Videos
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Talks PURPOSE and Directing Husband Samuel L. Jackson in THE PIANO LESSON
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-08 15:27:08
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Shares What She Wrote on New Sardi's Portrait
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-27 14:37:55
News
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE to Open at The Gamm Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
The Gamm Theatre stages Arthur Miller's American classic about a Brooklyn longshoreman whose jealousy unravels when undocumented cousins arrive from Italy. Directed by Rachel Walshe, the production features Anthony Goes, Rachel Dulude, and Gabrielle McCauley.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
The Gamm Theatre stages Arthur Miller's American classic about a Brooklyn longshoreman whose jealousy unravels when undocumented cousins arrive from Italy. Directed by Rachel Walshe, the production features Anthony Goes, Rachel Dulude, and Gabrielle McCauley.
The Cell Unveils 27 Resident Artists for 2027-28 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 28, 2026
the cell in Chelsea will present 22 new projects from over 27 resident playwrights, composers, designers, and interdisciplinary artists developing new work through readings, workshops, and staged productions.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 28, 2026
the cell in Chelsea will present 22 new projects from over 27 resident playwrights, composers, designers, and interdisciplinary artists developing new work through readings, workshops, and staged productions.
Interview: Theatre Life with Reggie D. White
by Elliot Lanes - Sep 25, 2026
Today’s subject Reggie D. White is currently living his theatre life two fold. He is the Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, only the third in the company’s 48 year history. He assumed the position in January of this year. That position is a full time job all by itself, but Reggie is also the director for the company’s current production of Venus. The show is the inaugural production for White’s first season as Artistic Director and plays through Oct 4th.
by Elliot Lanes - Sep 25, 2026
Today’s subject Reggie D. White is currently living his theatre life two fold. He is the Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, only the third in the company’s 48 year history. He assumed the position in January of this year. That position is a full time job all by itself, but Reggie is also the director for the company’s current production of Venus. The show is the inaugural production for White’s first season as Artistic Director and plays through Oct 4th.
Phylicia Rashad To Direct FENCES At The Mark Taper Forum
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2026
Phylicia Rashad will direct August Wilson's Fences at the Mark Taper Forum. Set in segregated Pittsburgh in the 1950s, Fences depicts the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now scraping by as a sanitation worker.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2026
Phylicia Rashad will direct August Wilson's Fences at the Mark Taper Forum. Set in segregated Pittsburgh in the 1950s, Fences depicts the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now scraping by as a sanitation worker.
Photos: Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre Celebrates Grand Opening Of Its First Permanent Home
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026
Woodie King, Jr.'s Off-Broadway institution inaugurated its first permanent space at 154 Christopher Street, marking a historic milestone for the 56-year-old Black theater company.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026
Woodie King, Jr.'s Off-Broadway institution inaugurated its first permanent space at 154 Christopher Street, marking a historic milestone for the 56-year-old Black theater company.
Review: AFRICAN STEW at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
by Steve Murray - Sep 13, 2026
What did our critic think of AFRICAN STEW at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre?
by Steve Murray - Sep 13, 2026
What did our critic think of AFRICAN STEW at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre?
25 Theater Books for Your Fall 2026 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 4, 2026
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2026 reading list.
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 4, 2026
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2026 reading list.
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel to Present THE ARTS IN SAN FRANCISCO Event
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2026
Publicist Kevin Kopjak will lead “The Arts in San Francisco: The City That Never Stopped Creating,” a conversation celebrating the remarkable history, and exciting future, of San Francisco’s performing arts community at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2026
Publicist Kevin Kopjak will lead “The Arts in San Francisco: The City That Never Stopped Creating,” a conversation celebrating the remarkable history, and exciting future, of San Francisco’s performing arts community at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel.
Life Jacket & Page 73 Name Four Writers for 2026 WRITERS ROOM Residency
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2026
Justin Halle, Dhari Noel, Audley Puglisi and Danielle Stagger were selected for the Writers Room, a three-week residency in Upstate New York for early-career LGBTQ+ playwrights.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2026
Justin Halle, Dhari Noel, Audley Puglisi and Danielle Stagger were selected for the Writers Room, a three-week residency in Upstate New York for early-career LGBTQ+ playwrights.
Life Jacket Theatre Company and Page 73 Select Playwrights for 2026 Writers Room
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2026
Life Jacket Theatre Company and Page 73 have revealed the four playwrights selected for the 2026 Writers Room, a new three-week immersive residency in Upstate New York for early-career LGBTQ+ playwrights.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2026
Life Jacket Theatre Company and Page 73 have revealed the four playwrights selected for the 2026 Writers Room, a new three-week immersive residency in Upstate New York for early-career LGBTQ+ playwrights.
AFRICAN STEW At Lorraine Hansberry Theatre Announces Cast And Creative Team
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 14, 2026
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of African Stew, a satirical new comedy by the nationally acclaimed, award-winning playwright Lisa B. Thompson.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 14, 2026
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of African Stew, a satirical new comedy by the nationally acclaimed, award-winning playwright Lisa B. Thompson.
LIBERATION and More Set for GableStage 28th Season; Single Tickets Now On Sale
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 4, 2026
GableStage in Coral Gables has put single tickets on sale for four productions in its 28th season, with casting announced for WEATHER GIRL, TRUE ART and other regional premieres.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 4, 2026
GableStage in Coral Gables has put single tickets on sale for four productions in its 28th season, with casting announced for WEATHER GIRL, TRUE ART and other regional premieres.
NEW HARMONY PROJECT to Celebrate 40th Anniversary Season in Indianapolis
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 31, 2026
The New Harmony Project will mark its 40th anniversary with a third season of New Plays Indy and an Annual Writers' Residency developing eight new plays with Indianapolis and national theatres.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 31, 2026
The New Harmony Project will mark its 40th anniversary with a third season of New Plays Indy and an Annual Writers' Residency developing eight new plays with Indianapolis and national theatres.
MANNING to Make West Coast Premiere at Crowded Fire Theater in San Francisco
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 21, 2026
Crowded Fire Theater will present the West Coast premiere of MANNING, a play by Benjamin Benne directed by Adin Walker, at the Potrero Stage in San Francisco.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 21, 2026
Crowded Fire Theater will present the West Coast premiere of MANNING, a play by Benjamin Benne directed by Adin Walker, at the Potrero Stage in San Francisco.
AFRICAN STEW World Premiere to be Presented at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 20, 2026
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre will present the world premiere of African Stew, a satirical new comedy by playwright Lisa B. Thompson, launching this September in San Francisco.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 20, 2026
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre will present the world premiere of African Stew, a satirical new comedy by playwright Lisa B. Thompson, launching this September in San Francisco.
Interview: Writer, Director & Actor Ann Noble of DEAD MAN at Echo Theatre Company
by Shari Barrett - Jul 20, 2026
Direct from its smash hit run at the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival, the noir comedy clown mystery Dead Man, written and directed by Ann Noble, is being presented by The Echo Theater Company and Theatre Ghosts on Tuesdays July 21, 28 and August 4 at 8 p.m. at the Echo Theater Company in Atwater Village Theatre.
by Shari Barrett - Jul 20, 2026
Direct from its smash hit run at the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival, the noir comedy clown mystery Dead Man, written and directed by Ann Noble, is being presented by The Echo Theater Company and Theatre Ghosts on Tuesdays July 21, 28 and August 4 at 8 p.m. at the Echo Theater Company in Atwater Village Theatre.
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Dominique Morisseau, and More Will Headline LA Black Creators Summit
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2026
The 2026 Los Angeles Black Creators Summit, produced by Support Black Theatre, will gather leading voices in theatre, TV, and film at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center around the theme 'Black Theatre: Then. Now. Next.'
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2026
The 2026 Los Angeles Black Creators Summit, produced by Support Black Theatre, will gather leading voices in theatre, TV, and film at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center around the theme 'Black Theatre: Then. Now. Next.'
Review: A RAISIN IN THE SUN at City Theatre Austin
by Sabrina Wallace - Jun 24, 2026
More than 65 years after its Broadway debut, A Raisin in the Sun still asks questions America hasn't fully answered. City Theatre delivers a respectful production with standout performances from Kendra Franklin, Abigail Egbujor, and Olivia Jamison.
by Sabrina Wallace - Jun 24, 2026
More than 65 years after its Broadway debut, A Raisin in the Sun still asks questions America hasn't fully answered. City Theatre delivers a respectful production with standout performances from Kendra Franklin, Abigail Egbujor, and Olivia Jamison.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Leadership Shakeups Across the Country + Heidi Schreck Honored
by Alex Freeman - Jun 22, 2026
This week's newsletter is packed with leadership news, as theaters across the country — from San Francisco's Magic Theatre to Manhattan Theatre Club to the Cape Playhouse — announced new appointments and restructured their teams. We've also got honors for Heidi Schreck and Cate Blanchett, plus a reminder that the 17th Annual Jimmy Awards stream live from the Minskoff Theatre tonight!
by Alex Freeman - Jun 22, 2026
This week's newsletter is packed with leadership news, as theaters across the country — from San Francisco's Magic Theatre to Manhattan Theatre Club to the Cape Playhouse — announced new appointments and restructured their teams. We've also got honors for Heidi Schreck and Cate Blanchett, plus a reminder that the 17th Annual Jimmy Awards stream live from the Minskoff Theatre tonight!
Lauren Yee and More to be Honored at PlayGround's 2026 Four-City Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2026
PlayGround will present a simultaneous four-city gala honoring Margo Hall, Jessica Kubzansky, Emily Shooltz, and Ericka Ratcliff, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the June Anne Baker Prize for women and non-binary playwrights.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2026
PlayGround will present a simultaneous four-city gala honoring Margo Hall, Jessica Kubzansky, Emily Shooltz, and Ericka Ratcliff, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the June Anne Baker Prize for women and non-binary playwrights.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Lorraine Hansberry written?
Lorraine Hansberry has written 6 shows including Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (Bookwriter), To Be Young Gifted and Black (Playwright), Les Blancs (Playwright), The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (Playwright), Raisin (Source Material), A Raisin in the Sun (Playwright).
What awards has Lorraine Hansberry been nominated for?
Lorraine Hansberry has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Best Play at the Tony Awards for her work on "A Raisin in the Sun." Additionally, she was also nominated for the Best American Play award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production, "A Raisin in the Sun." These nominations recognize her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of theater.
What awards has Lorraine Hansberry won?
Lorraine Hansberry has won the Best American Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for her play, A Raisin in the Sun.
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