Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
August Wilson
August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
by August Wilson
Awards & Recognition
Drama Critics Circle Drama Desk Award Olivier Award Tony Award
Nominee: Three 1985 Tony Awards, including Best Play Nominee: Two 1985 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding New Play Winner! 1985 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play Winner! 2016 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play
Synopsis
It's 1927 and Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues,” is recording new sides of old favorites in a rundown studio in Chicago.
Fiery and determined, Ma Rainey fights to retain control over her music, while her cocky trumpet player Levee dreams of making his own name in the business.
More than music goes down in August Wilson's riveting portrayal of rage, racism, self-hatred and exploitation.
Press Reviews
"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."
— The New York Times
"Brilliant... explosive! Dramatically riveting."
— Newhouse Newspapers
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| Irvin |
| Cutler |
| Toldeo |
| Slow Drag |
| Levee |
| Ma Rainey |
| Policeman |
| Dussie Mae |
| Sylvester |
| Sturdyvant |
Videos
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Milwaukee Rep scene
Publication
August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a play written by August Wilson and published by Samuel French .
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet
Buy Play
Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Similar Plays
Plays with similar themes, style, and content.
More from August Wilson
More plays from August Wilson that we think you'll enjoy.
