August Wilson

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom August Wilson First edition

Play with music

Characters: 8 males (5 black, 3 white) 2 black females

Scenery: Unit set

It's 1927 in a rundown studio in Chicago where Ma Rainey is recording new sides of old favorites. More goes down in the session than music in this riveting portrayal of rage, racism, the self hate and exploitation.

"Searing ... funny, salty, carnal and lyrical.... Wilson has lighted a dramatic fuse that snakes and hisses through several anguished eras of American life. When the fuse reaches its explosive final destination, the audience is impaled by the impact." N. Y. Times.

"Brilliant ... explosive! Dramatically riveting." Newhouse Newspapers.

Winner New York Drama Critics Circle Award.