The National to Revive MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM This Winter

According to the Daily Mail, August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM is headed to the National Theatre in January, directed by Dominic Cooke.

Starring Sharon D. Clarke and Giles Terera, the play is set in Chicago in the 1920s and centers on Ma Rainey and her band, who while recording a new album, hit on issues of race, art, religion and exploitation in their community.

MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM first opened at the National in 1989. The play is part of Wilson's ten-play cycle exploring the 20th century African American experience.

Clarke last appeared in the West End in GHOST THE MUSICAL and has also starred in WE WILL ROCK YOU, STEPPING OUT, GUYS AND DOLLS and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. Among her other credits are THE LION KING at the Lyceum, THE AMEN CORNER at the Royal National Theatre, PORGY AND BESS at Regent's Park and more.

Terera, who currently stars in London's THE BOOK OF MORMON, also appeared in the West End's AVENUE Q. Among his other stage credits are DEATH AND THE KING'S HORSEMAN, THE TEMPEST, RENT, 125TH STREET and JAILHOUSE ROCK. He is also a filmmaker and musician behind the documentary MUSE OF FIRE.

Photo Credit: Steve Gillett