Ep 1. Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/feeling Heart

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is a captivating episode of the show American Masters that delves into the life and legacy of writer and activist Lorraine Hansberry. This episode explores the vibrant and complex life of Hansberry, who is best known for her seminal play A Raisin in the Sun, which was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway.

Using rare archival footage, personal papers, and interviews with Hansberry's family, friends, and colleagues, the episode offers a fresh and engaging look at the writer's remarkable career, as well as her activism and political views. Hansberry was not only a gifted writer, but also a committed advocate for civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights. She used her work to challenge the status quo and fight for a more just and equitable society.

The episode begins by tracing Hansberry's childhood and early years, including her upbringing in a prosperous Black family in Chicago, her experiences with segregation and racism, and her education at the University of Wisconsin and the New School for Social Research in New York City. It then examines her rise to fame as a playwright, starting with her work on A Raisin in the Sun. Through interviews with actors and directors who have worked on the play, the episode explores how Hansberry's writing challenged audiences and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in American theater.

From there, the episode goes on to explore Hansberry's political activism and involvement in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. It examines her friendships with other notable activists such as James Baldwin and Nina Simone, as well as her deep concern for issues such as police brutality, housing discrimination, and the Vietnam War. The episode also delves into the personal struggles that Hansberry faced throughout her life, including her battles with cancer, her divorce, and her experiences as a gay woman in a time when homosexuality was still widely stigmatized.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to rare footage of Hansberry herself, as well as interviews with those who knew her best, including her ex-husband Robert Nemiroff, her brother Lloyd Hansberry, and fellow activists such as Ruby Dee and Harry Belafonte. By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained a new appreciation for the life and work of this remarkable writer and activist, who left an indelible mark on American culture and politics.

Overall, Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is a rich and engrossing episode of American Masters, offering a detailed and insightful look at one of America's most important and inspiring writers. Whether you are a fan of Hansberry's work or simply curious about the civil rights movement and the cultural landscape of mid-century America, this episode is sure to leave you deeply moved and profoundly inspired.