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

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company plan big bold stories for 2026

The Indigenous focused theatre company has revealed their 2026 program.

Black Swan ends the year on a high with ‘Carol’

Sally-Anne Upton and Mark Storen shine in this tale of festive cheer and serious issues.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce quits the party

The former leader had yet to declare whether he will join One Nation.

On This Gay Day | James Pratt and John Smith were executed

They are the last two men who were executed in England for the crime of sodomy.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company plan big bold stories for 2026

The Indigenous focused theatre company has revealed their 2026 program.

Black Swan ends the year on a high with ‘Carol’

Sally-Anne Upton and Mark Storen shine in this tale of festive cheer and serious issues.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce quits the party

The former leader had yet to declare whether he will join One Nation.

On This Gay Day | James Pratt and John Smith were executed

They are the last two men who were executed in England for the crime of sodomy.

The 2025 Perth Pride Run & Walk was a huge success

The early morning event attracted a huge crowd who walked, ran and crap-jogged the route.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company plan big bold stories for 2026

The Indigenous focused theatre company has revealed their 2026 program.

Black Swan ends the year on a high with ‘Carol’

Sally-Anne Upton and Mark Storen shine in this tale of festive cheer and serious issues.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce quits the party

The former leader had yet to declare whether he will join One Nation.