Premium Content:

'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom': Viola Davis stars as queer blues legend

An award-winning Broadway show is coming to Netflix with a stellar cast and a slice of history.

- Advertisement -

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, based on the play of the same name by August Wilson, stars Viola Davis as the titular character.

Ma Rainey was a pioneer in the world of blues, and for Black women in the public eye.

Set in 1927 Chicago, the film explores Rainey’s rise to fame despite the odds, railing against racism in the music industry and wider America.

Rainey was also reported to have had relationships with women, alluding to bisexuality in her lyrics.

The film will also mark the final feature for the late Chadwick Boseman, whose passing from colon cancer shocked the world earlier this year.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom also stars Dusan Brown, Michael Potts, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts. The film hits Netflix this December.


Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Big Brother adds a twist to the nominations

The housemates had a clear idea on who they wanted to nominate, but Big Brother threw a spanner into the works.

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson says it’s time for a “very big fight” on trans ideology

"I think this is a big battle ground." the Senator said in a recent interview outlining the party's priorities.

Keli Holiday announces national tour and new album

The artist will be playing a show at Freo.Social in 2026.

On This Gay Day | Movie icon Rock Hudson was born on this day in 1925

Rock Hudson and RuPaul were both born on this day, while poet Audre Lorde died in 1992;.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Big Brother adds a twist to the nominations

The housemates had a clear idea on who they wanted to nominate, but Big Brother threw a spanner into the works.

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson says it’s time for a “very big fight” on trans ideology

"I think this is a big battle ground." the Senator said in a recent interview outlining the party's priorities.

Keli Holiday announces national tour and new album

The artist will be playing a show at Freo.Social in 2026.

On This Gay Day | Movie icon Rock Hudson was born on this day in 1925

Rock Hudson and RuPaul were both born on this day, while poet Audre Lorde died in 1992;.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Boy Soda and Ambré, Tinie Tempah and Alex Mills, DRAMA, Y.O.G.A. featuring Taylor Moss, Faithless and Disclosure, and Khruangbin.  

Big Brother adds a twist to the nominations

The housemates had a clear idea on who they wanted to nominate, but Big Brother threw a spanner into the works.

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson says it’s time for a “very big fight” on trans ideology

"I think this is a big battle ground." the Senator said in a recent interview outlining the party's priorities.

Keli Holiday announces national tour and new album

The artist will be playing a show at Freo.Social in 2026.