The Young Vic Theatre has been presented with the opportunity to transfer its production of A Raisin in the Sun to the West End, but an American producer has refused to grant his permission. A Raisin in the Sun received rave reviews while playing at the Young Vic during the month of June this year. The theatre was invited to transfer its production of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1950’s classic to the Albery Theatre in the West End. However, American producer David Binder owns the rights for any West End and Broadway productions and when the Young Vic asked if it could transfer the play to the West End, he would not grant his permission.

David Lan, director of the play and artistic director of the Young Vic said: “The Ambassador’s Theatre Group had invited us to perform in the Albery from this September and they were offering financial backing. But Binder said no. He stated quite openly that he thinks it could damage any Broadway production he might want to stage.”

—by Theatrenow