Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Due  Tues 9/26 (A) and 9/27 (B)

1. Read all introductory materials before the start of class

2. Read at least 5 pages of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by August Wilson

      a. Mark any questions with ?

      b. Mark anything you really like and why with !

      c. Mark anything confusing with ??

3. Come to class with an answer to these questions.

      1. Who are these people, really? elaborate.

      2. What are your 1st impressions of each character?

      3. What might life have been like for these men.

4. Draw a design of the stage from Wilson's Stage description.

5. Listen to your selected song. Think of the definitions listed on "The Blues Impulse Handout," how is your song representative of the "Blues"?