Lena Younger (Mama) - Irma P. Hall

In describing Mama throughout the play, she is basically everything you can ask for in a family. As the text describes, "a woman in her early sixties, full-bodied and strong". Mama has the notion that with the plan to move out the apartment, it will bring the family closer together. As she is the heart and soul of the family, she will fulfill her family dreams of owning a backyard and a garden. Mama's mind is full of dreams and optimistic views of the family. One symbol that Mama identifies with closely is the plant. By caring for the plant is her way of defining the circumstance of the family.
Casting Lena Younger (Mama) was a difficult role to choose due to many actresses fitting the criteria particularly Oprah Winfrey, but Irma P. hall is the typical grandmother and matriarch of all movies. Known for her role as portraying the grandmother in movies such as, Soul Food, Meet the Browns, A Family Thing, Irma P. Hall is a family oriented actor who brings the family together in hopes of making great strides in a family. Many characteristics have defined her as an actress: strong-willed, nurturing and courageous.