Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (August Wilson)

*Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom* is a play by August Wilson that explores the complexities of race, artistry, and exploitation through the story of a recording session in 1927 Chicago. It centers on Ma Rainey, a demanding and talented Black blues singer, and her Black band members, highlighting their struggles against racial prejudice and economic hardships. The play examines themes of cultural identity, black pride, and the fight for respect in a racially divided society, revealing personal and collective tensions while celebrating the resilience and creativity of Black artists during that era.