This is one of those split screen sets requiring two locales. The first is a recording studio c.1920, and the second a more private room which is a dressing/warm-up room for the musicians. I imagined a converted drygoods store for the recording studio - I loved researching the technology, but luckily we didn't have to reproduce it with our summer stock budget as the booth was a window perched above. I saw the second room as a basement. Perhaps that was an unconscious spatial metaphor for the social position of these characters. With this black cast I wanted to be sure the architectural surround cradled the faces, hence the high chair rail. The faces popped nicely and the acting was fine.

Ma Rainey and her Black Bottom • Iowa Summer Repertory Theatre
Director: Mary Beth Easley, Lighting Designer: Bryon Winn, Costume Designer: Kaoime Malloy, Sound Designer: Mark Bruckner