By Tharishi Hewavithanagamage
Directed by George C. Wolfe, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ is based on the play of the same name, by August Wilson, who was often referred to as the ‘theater’s poet of Black America.’ The eponymous play was first staged in 1982. The film focuses on Ma Rainey, a real life blues singer and her group of blues musicians, coming together to record a few songs on a hot summer’s day in Chicago in 1927. Produced by Denzel Washington, Todd Black, and Dany Wolf, the film stars Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman, with Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige and Dusan Brown in supporting roles. ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ is currently streaming on Netflix.