A Raisin in the Sun was a breakthrough for Lorraine Hansberry and Black theatre in general, but despite its success, she continued to face significant barriers and obstacles in her career. Some of the challenges and factors that shadowed her success include:
Gender and Racial Discrimination: As a Black woman in the predominantly white male theatre industry, Hansberry faced double discrimination based on both race and gender. She had to overcome prejudices, stereotypes, and limited opportunities for Black artists in the theatre world.
Limited Representation: Black playwrights and actors were underrepresented in the mainstream theatre scene at the time, and Hansberry's success did not immediately pave the way for other Black artists to achieve the same level of success. She felt a sense of responsibility to represent and advocate for the Black community, but also experienced isolation as one of the few prominent Black voices in the theatre.
Pressures of Success: The success of A Raisin in the Sun created high expectations for Hansberry's subsequent work, which she found challenging to live up to. The pressure to consistently produce successful plays and the demands of public scrutiny weighed heavily on her.
Personal Struggles: Hansberry also dealt with personal challenges, including depression and struggles with her sexuality, which impacted her ability to work consistently.
Despite these challenges, Lorraine Hansberry's legacy remains significant, as she broke barriers for Black artists and paved the way for greater diversity in the theatre industry. Her talent, determination, and commitment to social justice continue to inspire future generations of theatre makers.