CVNC: An Online Arts Journal in North Carolina | August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Biography, History, Theatre

Pure Life Theatre Company: August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

THROUGH 9/24: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Shows Off at WPU's Leggett Theatre
Theatre Review by Darrell D. Stover, September 15, 2023

( Fri., Sep. 15, 2023 - Sun., Sep. 24, 2023 )

Leggett Theatre at William Peace University, 15 E. Peace Street, Raleigh, NC 27604-1194

Program

“Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century. Also a songwriter, her lyrics and melodies reflected her experiences as an independent, openly bisexual African- American woman. Tony Award-nominated for Best Play in 1985 Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is set in a recording studio in 1920s Chicago, dealing with issues of race, art, religion, and the historic exploitation of Black recording artists by white producers.

Notes

Pure Life Theatre Company is a diverse group of artists who exist to serve the community through exceptional theatrical experiences and life-giving performances that explore and nourish truth, hope, redemption and love.