Round House Theatre, celebrating its 50th season, will co‑produce August Wilson’s acclaimed drama Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with Olney Theatre Center from Sept. 9 through Oct. 11. The production is being directed by Helen Hayes Award‑winner Lili‑Anne Browne, whose recent work includes the theatre’s 2023 co‑production of FELA!. Browne joins a growing number of women leading Wilson’s powerful plays.
Local talent takes the stage
Browne assembled a cast drawn largely from the Washington‑DC metropolitan area. Among them are Ro Boddie, Craig Wallace, Chris Genebach and Kanysha Williams, a Duke Ellington School of the Arts and George Mason University graduate. The title role of Ma Rainey is performed by Nicole Michelle Haskins, making her Round House debut.
Haskins, a musical‑theatre student, said she never expected to be cast in such a demanding role. “I was told we weren’t capable of handling it, but experience opened my eyes,” she explained. She praised the character’s physicality and powerful voice, noting that Wilson’s blend of music and dialogue brings the story to life.
Why the play matters today
Wilson’s work, rooted in the blues and the African‑American experience of the early 20th century, explores who gets valued and who profits from cultural creations. Browne highlighted the relevance, saying the play asks audiences to consider ongoing racism and sexism that still affect artists.
Haskins added that Ma Rainey’s story of independence resonates with today’s performers. “She was ahead of her time, yet she paid the price for racism and exploitation,” she said. The production aims to honor that legacy while showcasing the talent of Black women both on and off the stage.
Special events and tickets
Round House will host a special “Black Out” performance on Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m., offering a focused celebration of the play’s themes. Tickets and additional information are available through the theatre’s box office at (240) 644‑1100 or online at RoundHouseTheatre.org.
The co‑production reflects a broader trend of regional theatres elevating diverse voices and stories. By partnering with Olney Theatre Center, the two venues aim to reach audiences across the greater Washington region, reinforcing the importance of community‑based arts in preserving cultural heritage.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
