This 1982 play by August Wilson chronicles the 20th-century African American experience dealing with issues of race, art, religion, and the historic exploitation of Black recording artists by white producers. It received a 1985 Tony Award nomination for Best Play, The play’s title comes from Ma Rainey‘s song of the same name, which refers to the Black Bottom dance.
The setting: It’s 1927 and Ma Rainey, also known as the “Mother of the Blues,” is recording updated versions of some of her classic songs in a run-down studio in Chicago. Passionate and headstrong, Ma Rainey battles to maintain authority over her own music, even as her arrogant trumpet player, Levee, aspires to make a name for himself in the music industry.:
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