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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Photo of Katy Cotten as Ma Rainey
Katy Cotten as Ma Rainey

By August Wilson

Directed by Ashley Southers
August 15th – 24th 2025
Madison Arts Center cabaret space

Set during a single afternoon in the recording studio of the famous blues singer Ma Rainey, this classic is the first of Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle, now considered a staple of American theater. Presented in our new ground-floor Madison Arts Center cabaret space.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will be presented as part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, three August Wilson classics, all running in August 2025 at Madison Arts Center and August Wilson House.

Performances:

Fri Aug 15 2025, 8 PM
Sat Aug 16 2025, 2 PM
Sat Aug 16 2025, 9 PM (Private performance)
Sun Aug 17 2025, 7 PM
Mon Aug 18 2025, 7 PM (Community night)
Thu Aug 21 2025, 7 PM
Fri Aug 22 2025, 8:30
Sat Aug 23 2025, 10 AM
Sat Aug 23 2025, 5:30 PM
Sun Aug 24 2025, 7 PM

“August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Originally produced by Yale Repertory Theatre (Lloyd Richards, Artistic Director; Benjamin Mordecai, Managing Director).
Initially presented at the 1982 National Playwrights’ Conference by The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.