July 24, 2011
The Wisdom of Women, dedicated to Phylicia Rashad, who acted the role of Mama.
'What happens to a dream deferred... does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?' This line from a poem by Langston Hughes opens the proceedings and guides the course of the film. A saga of a vision, smothered by racism, dampened by greed; saved by the wisdom of a woman, who kept the dreams smouldering.
The play revolves around an expected insurance cheque ($10,000) and how it should be spent.
Introducing Walter Younger, the son, a uniformed chaffeur of daily indignities, who yearns to own his own business. His sister Beneatha, dreaming of being a doctor and money for medical studies. Ruth, Walter's wife, who thinks the decision should be Mama's alone, but finally puts a word in for Walter. And Mama, who has seen and felt it all. All living in the one, two bedroom flat; Mama's grandson, Travis, sleeping on the couch. Sharing the bathroom facilities with a dozen other families.
A film of dream and reverie; postponement and delay. The daily fare of battered people, trying to better themselves. The fragmentation of a family, wounded by frozen hearts and the shock of false friendship.
The beautiful finale, when the wisdom of a woman shines through and a new halo of dignity adorns every head. Because a family decides to stand and fight together, come what may.