Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 11/28/06 at 6:51pm

I recently read "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", and I found myself wondering what the relationship between Dussie Mae and Ma Rainey is. In some summaries I've read, they refer to her as "Ma's lover", and in others it's never mentioned.

In some moments of the play I suspected she was Ma's lover (such as when the band warns Levee to not mess around with her, in case Ma finds out), but other times Dussie seemed to just be friends with Ma.

Can someone clue me in? Thank you!

[rickydrummer]

Posted: 11/28/06 at 9:34pm

She's definitely Ma's lover. I'm in a class on August Wilson at NYU, and when we read the play, that seemed to be the sentiment all around. I don't think anyone really argued with that interpretation. It's not really talked about much in the way that it probably wouldn't have been during that time period.

P.S.: If you liked the play, make sure to read Wilson's others. Having just finished rereading the entire cycle of one play for each decade, I'm just overwhelmed by his overall vision.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 11/28/06 at 9:48pm

August Wilson = LOVE, and his work is not discussed here nearly enough.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/28/06 at 10:05pm

I saw the original Broadway production, the revival and a production of it at Arena Stage and in all three, there was a (non-platonic) kiss between Ma and Gussie. It was very clear in each that the two were lovers (and certain lines in the text support this).

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 11/28/06 at 11:13pm

Thanks very much for the clarification. I'd love to see a production of the show!

"If you liked the play, make sure to read Wilson's others. Having just finished rereading the entire cycle of one play for each decade, I'm just overwhelmed by his overall vision."

I definitley would like to - I think the "cycle" he did is fascinating and I look forward to reading more of Wilson's plays.