The College of the Canyons theatre department will present the award-winning play “A Raisin in the Sun” in the Black Box Theater at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) for a limited engagement running Nov. 13-22.

Written by Lorraine Hansberry, “A Raisin in the Sun” is a domestic tragedy about dreams, which focuses on the Younger family’s struggles to deal with the oppressive circumstances that rule their lives.

The title of the play references the poem “Harlem: A Dream Deferred” by poet Langston Hughes, in which he asks a very important question about dreams and what happens when dreams are ignored or postponed.

The COC production of “A Raisin in the Sun” will be directed by longtime COC theatre faculty member Susan Hinshaw. Hinshaw’s previous COC directing credits include productions of “Reasons to be Happy,” “Keely and Du,” “A Doll’s House,” “Love Letters” and “Holiday Voices.”

“I’m excited to be able to offer this classic American play to our students and community members,” said Hinshaw. “It’s an important chapter of American history which still resonates deeply today.”

The cast and crew of the production are comprised solely of COC theatre students.  “This play was eye-opening in the 1950s and is still relevant today for individuals and families of all diversities,” said COC theatre student Renee Poignard, who has been cast in the role of family matriarch Lena Younger.

Poignard, a retired senior and adult re-entry student who has enrolled at the college to pursue a degree in theatre, has a special affinity and connection for her role.

“I am so proud to be playing Lena Young, an African-American mother and grandmother,” Poignard said. “And proud of myself as a senior who is fulfilling my dream of going back to college.”

Performances of the COC theatre department’s production of “A Raisin in the Sun” will take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Matinee performances will run at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 and 22.

General admission tickets are $10. Students and seniors are $5.

For more information or to purchase tickets please contact the PAC box office at (661) 362-5304 or visit www.canyonsPAC.com.