Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: August Wilson Century Cycle

"The play''s themes are not new to the stage . . . the black American search for identity . . . and the process by which any American sells his soul for what Arthur Miller calls the salemean''s dream. Mr. Wilson''s style, however, is all his own. . . . He has lighted a dramatic fuse that snakes and hisses through several anguished eras of American life. When the fuse reaches its explosive final destination, the audience is impaled by the impact."
--Frank Rich, The New York Times

"Extraordinary! Ma Rainey rides on the exultant notes of the blues!"
--Jack Kroll, Newsweek

"What a joy! Brilliant . . . explosive! One of the most dramatically riveting plays I''ve seen in years. You must see it!"
--William A Raidy, Newhouse Newspapers

"A genuine work of art . . ."
--Brendan Gill, The New Yorker