Lucas Theatre to show ‘Clybourne Park’

Graphic by Rebecca Antonucci

Next week SCAD’s department of performing arts invites students and Savannah residents to their latest project, “Clybourne Park,” directed by Sharon Ott. It will run from Feb. 26 to March 1 at the Lucas Theatre.

The play was originally written by Brue Norris as response to Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun.” Hansberry’s play tells the story of the Youngers, a black family living in Chicago in the 1950s, who plan to move to Clybourne Park, a fictional all-white neighborhood.

The story continues in Norris’ play, starting off with the white family — the original owners of the house — that the Youngers will soon move into. They are approached by their neighbors, who are uncomfortable with the idea of having a black family living in the neighborhood, and try to buy the house back without any success. The second act takes place in the 21st century, and as time passes Clybourne Park becomes gentrified. The neighborhood is now a predominantly black community with a white family trying to move into the Younger’s house.

“Clybourne Park” may only take place in one setting but the audiences will barely notice the lack of scene changes with all the tension happening onstage. The play tackles everything from family and race, to neighbors and real estate.

Students are offered free admission for the play’s opening night on Thursday, Feb. 26.

For more information visit the Lucas Theatre website.