January 2018

 

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A Legend Gone Too Soon

Lorraine Hansberry, (born May 19, 1930, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.—died January 12, 1965, New York, New York), American playwright whose A Raisin in the Sun (1959) was the first drama by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway.

Hansberry was interested in writing from an early age and while in high school was drawn especially to the theatre. She attended the University of Wisconsin in 1948–50 and then briefly the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Roosevelt University (Chicago). After moving to New York City, she held various minor jobs and studied at the New School for Social Research while refining her writing skills.

In 1958 she raised funds to produce her play A Raisin in the Sun, which opened in March 1959 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway, meeting with great success. A penetrating psychological study of the personalities and emotional conflicts within a working-class black family in Chicago, A Raisin in the Sun was directed by actor Lloyd Richards, the first African American to direct a play on Broadway since 1907. It won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, and the film version of 1961 received a special award at the Cannes festival. Hansberry’s next play, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, a drama of political questioning and affirmation set in Greenwich Village, New York City, where she had long made her home, had only a modest run on Broadway in 1964. Her promising career was cut short by her early death from pancreatic cancer.

In 1969 a selection of her writings, adapted by Robert Nemiroff (to whom Hansberry was married from 1953 to 1964), was produced on Broadway as To Be Young, Gifted, and Black and was published in book form in 1970.

 

JP: At what age did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theater arts/film? What and who inspired you?

BVL: I've always had a strong interest in participating in theatre. It was during my second year of college when I realized I wanted to pursue an actual career in theatre/performing arts. After changing my major to Theatre Management/Directing I felt more alive and myself. I've always been inspired by seeing shows and performing when I was young - but performing arts comes natural to me and is something that I'm good at as a creative person. 

 

JP: How did you actually get started in theater/film?

BVL: I got started professionally in theatre/film after college. I started my own production business "B-Anne Productions" where I began producing short films and offering services to direct and write films and plays.

 

JP: Which one do you enjoy directing and producing more stage or film productions? If you do enjoy one over the other why?

BVL: I actually enjoy directing both - but I enjoy directing stage plays...because it's cheaper and less equipment involved. Film is a longer, stricter process to complete. Theatre is more relaxed and can be used to "play" with different concepts and new innovations. 

 

JP: Do you write the material you produce and direct? If so, what inspires you to write a compelling storyline?

BVL: Yes, I write the materials I produce/direct. There are a number of factors that inspire me - from personal experiences, historical events, important leaders, celebrities, and incidents in the news/media.

 

JP: If you produce or direct a script that is already written by someone else what approach do you take to successful produce and direct that project? 

BVL: I would try my best to get in the playwright's or screenwriter's mind to understand where they are coming from, so that way I can keep their vision alive within the play or movie.

 

JP: Besides theater and film what other field can you see yourself working in?

BVL: I see myself also working in modeling, promo, business and teaching.

 

JP: Tell us about how you felt when you found out your were nominated for the Chicago Oscars.

BVL: I felt very excited!  I felt something larger was taking place. I was happy for the opportunity and being able to network with inspiring, hard-working artists and models.

 

JP: When producing a project do you have to raise funds yourself? If so what are some ways that you raise capital?

BVL: Yes, I raise funds myself. I use my own funds to cover the cost of projects. I've considered fundraisers but those can be tricky at times.

 

JP: Tell us how you felt when you produced or directed your first project.

BVL: It was a refreshing feeling...my first project was my short film "Out of Range". I felt optimistic and determined to be in the process. It was also a mesmerizing feeling having the film screened at a festival in West Hollywood.

 

JP: Do you ever get discouraged during your career journey? If so how do you overcome discouragement?

BVL: Yes, I do get discouraged whether it be criticism, lack of funds, or lack of crew/cast members participating. I overcome it by finding alternatives or another time to complete the project rather than force it.

 

JP: Who was and is your support system? How did they support you and how important is that?

BVL: My support team are my close friends and family. My friends who are also artists support me by helping with projects, ideas and coming to see shows.

 

JP: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What kind of mark would you like to leave in the world?

BVL: I see myself working professionally in the entertainment industry, especially remaining independent as much as possible. I want to leave an impact of creating unique, positive images and projects.

 

JP: What's your favorite vacation spot and why?

BVL: I have not yet been on "vacation" :)  but I would say Jamaica. I've traveled but haven't been out the country.

 

JP: When you get a multi million dollar budget and could hire any actor and actress who would you choose? 

BVL: :) If/when that times comes, I would choose Denzel Washington, Chris Rock, Kenya Moore, Angela Bassett, and/or Viola Davis.

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