Bruce Norris’ award-winning Clybourne Park is a provocative, satirical exploration of race in America. Initially set on the same day as the final scene in A Raisin in the Sun, Clybourne Park looks at the Younger family’s story from the perspective of the Near North Side Chicago neighborhood where Lena Younger just purchased a home. Jumping from 1959 to 2009, the play also considers the repercussions for the next generation as Lena Younger’s great-niece navigates a new type of changing neighborhood.

SYNOPSIS:
In 1959, Russ and Bev have lost their connection to their community and have decided to leave their Clybourne Park home for a nice little spot in the suburbs close to Russ’ work. Clashes arise when the Community Association learns that the new residents will be a black family, the first in the neighborhood. Fast forward to 2009, when the same property is being sold to a young white couple who is planning to demolish the house and start over. A petition to the Landmarks committee by some black neighbors hopes to protect the historic qualities of the current structure. In both of these negotiations, Clybourne Park is a community on the brink of change, pushing its residents to decide which side of history they will be on. Clybourne Park explores what constitutes a neighborhood and who owns the right to preserve it.

Indiana University Northwest - Theatre Northwest
219.980.6808