shyster's review against another edition
informative
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
bobbyknndy's review against another edition
4.0
Taking place in the 1920s, this is the the third play in August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, a ten-play cycle documenting the African-American experience during the 20th century. However, I find it more useful to read Wilson's plays in the order in which he wrote them, not their chronological order. This is his very first play, and also the only one of his to not take place in Pittsburgh (it's set in Chicago). Definitely groundbreaking for its time, Ma Rainey's contains many of Wilson's trademarks that he would continue to use and develop throughout his career. The dialogue between characters is truly poetic, at times. However, being his very first play, it can be a little rough around the edges. I found the tragedy of Levee's past and the play's ultimate conflict to really come out of left field. Wilson would go on to write much better—his next play, Fences, would win a Pulitzer—but Ma Rainey's is a classic for breaking new ground in African American theater and launching the career of one of the most important voices in modern drama.
censius's review against another edition
3.0
On the page, Ma Rainey's is a meandering, lifelike depiction of a band discussing things while they wait for their lead singer to come. Engagement goes in and out, as their seems to be little thrust to the narrative for most of the play. On stage, I'm sure performances and the thrill of a theatre room can truly elevate the text, but by itself it feels a bit like it's spinning it's wheels.
SPOILERS
The connection between Levee, the upstart trumpet player that wants to start a new era of music, and Ma Rainey, the Angelou of jug bands, is that they both know what they're worth, and stubbornly resist how much the rest of the world wants to diminish and cheat them out of their true value. Of course, the audience knows all about how big jazz will be to the world, and know that Levee is right when he says his grand ideas will light the world on fire. But regardless of how talented these two are, the unfair, racist world is doing all it can to convince them that they are wrong about themselves, that their ideas aren't so lofty or their talent so irreplaceable. Ma Rainey is aware of their tricks, and get diva-esque unwillingness to make things easier for others eventually reveals that the managers and producers that she's inconveniencing are doing what they can to politely cheat her where they think they can get away with it.
SPOILERS
The connection between Levee, the upstart trumpet player that wants to start a new era of music, and Ma Rainey, the Angelou of jug bands, is that they both know what they're worth, and stubbornly resist how much the rest of the world wants to diminish and cheat them out of their true value. Of course, the audience knows all about how big jazz will be to the world, and know that Levee is right when he says his grand ideas will light the world on fire. But regardless of how talented these two are, the unfair, racist world is doing all it can to convince them that they are wrong about themselves, that their ideas aren't so lofty or their talent so irreplaceable. Ma Rainey is aware of their tricks, and get diva-esque unwillingness to make things easier for others eventually reveals that the managers and producers that she's inconveniencing are doing what they can to politely cheat her where they think they can get away with it.
isa1864's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
morissa679's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
naomi41's review against another edition
3.0
The third book of the August Wilson Century Cycle series did not fail to catch my attention at all. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom exemplifies the Roaring 20's through the African- American perspective and the beauty of jazz and blues comes alive. Set in 1927, the play revolves around the "Mother of Blues" Ma Rainey and her band including Toledo, Leevee, Slow Drag, Cutler and her manager, Mr. Irvin. Although music is one of the highlighted themes of the play, the deeper message is the issues of true freedom that blacks had trouble gaining in "white America". Even if they are famous, they still get treated with disrespect and are degraded because of the color of their skin.
Some of the most memorable parts of the play include Leevee's soliloquy in the middle of the book and the ending, which shocks the reader and makes them question the motives of trying to fit in a society that does not allow you to.
I have been getting into the habit of reading a lot more plays. This being the second Wilson play, alongside Fences that has caught my attention. I am definitely going to continue reading the entire series to see how Wilson is able to capture the highlights of Black America through each decade of the 1900's.
Some of the most memorable parts of the play include Leevee's soliloquy in the middle of the book and the ending, which shocks the reader and makes them question the motives of trying to fit in a society that does not allow you to.
I have been getting into the habit of reading a lot more plays. This being the second Wilson play, alongside Fences that has caught my attention. I am definitely going to continue reading the entire series to see how Wilson is able to capture the highlights of Black America through each decade of the 1900's.
ryn_k's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
books_xoxo's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
gloriawide24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
william_sg's review against another edition
5.0
Chadwick Boseman is winning the Oscar. Mark my words. The role of a lifetime. Rest in power.