<Tr> <Th> Genre </Th> <Td> Domestic tragedy </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Setting </Th> <Td> South Side, Chicago </Td> </Tr> <P> A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959 . The title comes from the poem "Harlem" (also known as "A Dream Deferred") by Langston Hughes . The story tells of a black family's experiences in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood as they attempt to "better" themselves with an insurance payout following the death of the father . The New York Drama Critics' Circle named it the best play of 1959 . </P> <P> Walter and Ruth Younger, their son Travis, along with Walter's mother Lena (Mama) and Walter's sister Beneatha, live in poverty in a dilapidated two - bedroom apartment on Chicago's south side . Walter is barely making a living as a limousine driver . Though Ruth is content with their lot, Walter is not and desperately wishes to become wealthy . His plan is to invest in a liquor store in partnership with Willy and Bobo, street - smart acquaintances of Walter's . </P>

A raisin in the sun first broadway production