More than music goes down in August Wilson's riveting portrayal of rage, racism, self-hatred and exploitation.
Story:
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.
Fun Fact
The play's title comes from Ma Rainey's song of the same name, which refers to the Black Bottom dance. Sheetmusic from Gus Horsley and Perry Bradford gave these instructions:
Hop down front then doodle back
Mooch to your left then mooch to the right
Hands on your hips and do the mess around,
Break a leg until you're near the ground
Now that's the old black bottom dance.