Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: A Play

by August Wilson

Book Overview

NOW A NETFLIX FILM STARRING VIOLA DAVIS AND CHADWICK BOSEMAN

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Fences and The Piano Lesson comes the extraordinary Ma Rainey's Black Bottom--winner of the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play.

The time is 1927. The place is a run-down recording studio in Chicago. Ma Rainey, the legendary blues singer, is due to arrive with her entourage to cut new sides...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452261139
• ISBN13: 9780452261136
• Release Date: April 1985
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Struggle

This play brings out the struggles of the African American musical artist,how they had to claw, bite and even fight each other and also be strong to get any recognition. How their talents were exploited by the white man for their own self gradification. Ma Rainey was a strong black women whom could have helped her band members, but at times I think she only thought of her on selfish needs. I hate to say but her attitude is typical of some artist today, all about them selves and not about helping their fellow man. However I think Mr. Wilson brought out her desire to help others and her determination to get her way in the matter of her nephew, but I think it was at the wrong time and at the expense of the band member. The tragedy at the then end was very shocking and unexpected. A good read, but not one of my favorite August Wilson plays.

An understanding of blues and history!

Recognized as a great American playwright with numerous awards, August Wilson has brilliantly chronicled the black experience through decades. Depicting the 1920s, he wrote "Ma Rainey" in 1982. The scene for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", takes place in a recording studio in 1927 where two white music executives are making a record with blues singer, Ma Rainey and a group of musicians. Because the focus is on four male band members. it may take a while to try to put a face with each character, but within a short time, you grasp who the characters are - their values, beliefs and fears. Ma Rainey's tone of voice is profound and nobody can push her around. Some critics report that Ma Rainey was exploitive and abusive to her band members, but I certainly did not get that impression. She was just tough and she knew how important her role was in blues music! Ma Rainey didn't take any crap from the white executives or anyone. The dialogue interweaves with Ma's performance onstage and the band members during rehearsals. Their identities evolve and it's clear who and why they are as they share their experience with racist America and we then know their role in a racist society and industry. A dramatic ending caps the story when the most bitter player reacts violently when another member steps on his shoes. To me, the incident seemed unjustifiable to provoke such a violent reaction by another member. It appeared out of place. If you have an interest in the work of a great playwright or another interpretation of black experience through the decades, read more from this amazing man.

An understanding of blues and history!

Recognized as a great American playwright with numerous awards, August Wilson has brilliantly chronicled the black experience through decades. Depicting the 1920s, he wrote "Ma Rainey" in 1982, a real life blues singer. The scene for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", takes place in a recording studio in 1927 where two white music executives are making a record with blues singer, Ma Rainey and a group of musicians. Because the focus is on four male band members. it may take a while to try to put a face with each character, but within a short time, you grasp who the characters are - their values, beliefs and fears. Ma Rainey's tone of voice is profound and nobody can push her around. Some critics report that Ma Rainey was exploitive and abusive to her band members, but I certainly did not get that impression. She was just tough and she knew how important her role was in blues music! Ma Rainey didn't take any crap from the white executives or anyone. The dialogue interweaves with Ma's performance onstage and the band members during rehearsals. Their identities evolve and it's clear who and why they are as they share their experience with racist America and we then know their role in a racist society and industry. A dramatic ending caps the story when the most bitter player reacts violently when another member steps on his shoes. To me, the incident seemed unjustifiable to provoke such a violent reaction by another member. It appeared out of place. If you have an interest in the work of a great playwright or another interpretation of black experience through the decades, read more from this amazing man.

It's a question. How can I show a student of mine how strong

I would welcome suggestions to the analysis of August Wilson's " Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at secondary school level. The book is too powerful but sometimes my students have difficulties in understanding its strenght.Sorry this is not a review, it's a cry of "Hellllp".I am 41 years old. In my computer ages only go up to 12

The insightful play is a mix of comedy and drama.

This play shows how the rage caused by racism can be manifested in unusual ways. Each character, the blues singer and her band, has a different means of trying to gain control of a racist society hoping to, thereby, overcome it. The author's surprisingly humurous dialogue accentuates the story but, there is no mistaking the gravity of these characters's pain. Wilson's writing makes the play fast-paced and gives excellent insight to the histories of the individual characters. The use of blues lyrics and speech make them not just backdrops but characters, themselves. The abrupt ending seems a little forced, but the play is extremely entertaining.