One of the ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle by August Wilson that chronicles the twentieth century African American experience. The play is set in Chicago in the 1920s (the only play in the group not set in Pittsburgh), and deals with issues of race, art, religion and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers.

The original production of “Ma Rainey...” opened on B’way on Oct 11, 1984 at the Cort.  Lloyd Richards directed a cast which included Theresa Merritt (Ma Rainey), Charles S Dutton, Joe Seneca & Lou Criscuolo, among others.