The richness of Louisville’s tradition in theater lies not just in its professional theater, but also in its community theater. The beauty of bringing stagecraft to the people is the true essence of theater. In their new full-time theater — Story Station Theater (see story on page 12) — the recently-formed Latent Muse Productions and director Kamie McCant bring a legendary play to life with talent, passion and an awesome set that drops the audience right into the action. “A Raisin in the Sun” delves into the deep issues that affect a lower class, inner-city black family. It is a story that reaches across racial lines to touch most people’s experience, and that is the reason why Lorraine Hansberry’s play is so celebrated.
Lundeana M. Thomas’ Mama was a multi-faceted character — looking poverty in the face and smiling at it most times. Thomas could make you laugh with a deadpan delivery and then make you cry — not with hysterical over-the-top screaming, but with quiet resignation.
Other performances wowed the audience, such as Robert O’Bryan Greene’s portrayal of Walter Lee Younger and April Alamothia Spears’ performance as headstrong daughter and sister, Beneatha Younger. Greene successfully projected the very levels of desperation, and every time he was on stage, he commanded the attention of the audience. His character was just as effective in silence as he was in speaking. Spears’ Beneatha was also perfect — petulant, righteous, uncertain and sad. Every emotion the character was supposed to experience was believable and delivered right on time. “Raisin” is a must-see play, and Latent Muse is a welcome addition to the theater tradition of Louisville.
