August Wilson's 20th Century: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Chicago blues legend Ma Rainey sets out to record her latest album in the only one of Wilson's 10 plays set beyond Pittsburgh. As generational and racial tensions escalate among her band and producers, the studio soon explodes in violence and tragedy.

• Mar 9 - Apr 1, 2008
• Terrace Theater
• 2 hrs. 24 min.
• $65.00

About the Program | Reviews | Watch and Listen | Additional Resources | Related Events

About the Program

Artists:

• August Wilson , playwright

"One of the most important voices in the American theater"
--The New York Times

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1920s)
Directed by Lou Bellamy

Chicago blues legend Ma Rainey sets out to record her latest album in the only one of Wilson's 10 plays set beyond Pittsburgh. As generational and racial tensions escalate among her band and producers, the studio soon explodes in violence and tragedy.
--Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes, with one intermission--

CASTING
Sturdyvant: Raynor Scheine
Irvin: Jerry Whiddon
Cutler: Harry Lennix
Toledo: Roger Robinson
Slow Drag: James A. Williams
Levee: Anthony Mackie
Ma Rainey: Ebony Jo-Ann
Policeman: Jeff Allin
Dussie Mae: Rosalyn Coleman
Sylvester: Eric Berryman

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An American icon, August Wilson depicted the human condition like no other playwright of his time. His legacy lives on through his crowning achievement: a cycle of 10 plays chronicling the African American experience, each set in a different decade of the 20th century. Crafted over nearly 25 years, these works garnered Wilson myriad accolades, including a Tony Award and two Pulitzer Prizes. Bringing them together for the first time ever, the Kennedy Center presents staged readings of all 10 of Wilson's masterpieces, frequently dubbed "The Pittsburgh Cycle," as all but one are grounded in the city of his youth.

More than 30 stars of stage and screen join Artistic Director Kenny Leon and six other acclaimed directors for this historic month-long celebration (March 4–April 6, 2008). Complemented with costumes, lighting, and scenery, the plays will be performed in chronological order--collectively revealing Wilson's sweeping vision of the challenge and glory of being black in America.

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

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Watch and Listen

• Acting for August
• The Greatest Ever
• The Words of August Wilson
• Telling History
• Start with Your Grandmother
• Discovering the Library
• Writing as a Child
• Growing up as “Youngblood”
• The Writing Process
• The Stronger Political Act
• The Artist’s Relationship with the Audience
• Recurring Themes
• The Rehearsal Process
• The Collaboration Process

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Additional Resources

About the Kennedy Center Theater Series

August Wilson 20th Century Festival Page

Cast and Company

Artist:
Frederick Wilson

Reviews and Articles

Related Events

August Wilson's 20th Century: Gem of the Ocean  Mar 4 - 30, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: Joe Turner's Come and Gone  Mar 6 - 30, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: The Piano Lesson  Mar 12 - Apr 2, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: Seven Guitars  Mar 14 - Apr 3, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: Fences  Mar 16 - Apr 4, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: Two Trains Running  Mar 20 - Apr 5, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: Jitney  Mar 22 - Apr 5, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: King Hedley II  Mar 23 - Apr 6, 2008

August Wilson's 20th Century: Radio Golf  Mar 28 - Apr 6, 2008

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