Behind the Scenes: Costume Design for A Raisin in the Sun

*Gordon Parks, Untitled, Chicago (1953)*, an image that inspired Costume Designer Raquel Adorno and Director Gabrielle Randle-Bent.

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a stunning portrayal of a family’s fight for dignity, their right to dream, and their hopes for a better life – a life with room to breathe. That aspiration permeates every aspect of the production, from the script to the design, and through the costumes of the Younger family (designed by Raquel Adorno), those arcs become evident.

Below, Raquel shares some of the inspirations for her designs, as well as some renderings. Check out how they compare to the final looks!

Costume Design

Raquel: The costume design for this production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun draws inspiration from the stark realism and social commentary of Gordon Parks’s 1950s photography. The costumes will emphasize the realities of life for a family living in a cramped Chicago kitchenette during the mid 20th century. Worn but meticulously cared for clothing and workwear will convey the economic hardships faced by the family. The palette will be largely sepia until moving day which will usher in an era of vibrant color, symbolizing the hope and enduring spirit of the Younger family for a more equitable future, even in the face of relentless racism, discrimination, and adversity.