Story by Carrie Beth Wallace
Images via Springer Opera House
This weekend, the Springer Opera House will open their production of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom starting actress Valerie Houston. Though making her debut at the Springer, Houston is no stranger to the stage. She is a playwright, actor, composer, singer and activist who graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Professional Studies and went on to earn a Master of Divinity from the Memphis Theological Seminary.
As the founder of L’mand Ministries, a nonprofit organization that uses arts education to combat recidivism, Houston teaches state mandated disciplines to students throughout Tennessee. Her play about Madame C. J. Walker, the miracle hair grower, is listed on the Tennessee Arts Commission roster. Houston believes that the arts should not only educate and entertain but, most importantly, create an internal dialogue within the individual.
We had the privilege of corresponding with Houston about her experience preparing to portray Columbus native Ma Rainey. Read on to learn more about the challenges held within the role, how she's navigated the rehearsal process, and what she hopes people will glean from the show.
Q: What has been the most interesting thing you've learned about Ma Rainey when preparing for this role?
A: The most interesting thing that I have learned about Ma’ Rainey is that she was a business owner. In fact, she owned three theatres. When you consider the magnitude of her influence on other artists, the music industry, and theatre within her short lifespan, you cannot help but be in awe of her intellect, talent, and work ethic. She was born in the Jim Crow South and yet was able to establish a legacy that we are still discussing a century later.
Q: This role is vocally and emotionally demanding. How do you protect your instrument when taking on a role that asks so much of you as an actor?
A: My primary instrument in this role is my voice. Therefore, when I am in a show that places a demand upon my voice, I take care not to overuse my voice when I am not on stage. I do not eat acidic foods or partake of any alcohol when I am in a show. I keep a case of water and stay hydrated. My one indulgence is a cup of coffee with cream every morning. Because it is such an emotionally-charged production, I take care to practice silent pray daily.
Q: What is the largest challenge when starring in a show like Ma Rainey's Black Bottom?
A: My greatest challenge has been to find and portray the arc of the character. Another challenge is revealing to the audience through the words of August Wilson the trials that Ma ’Rainey had to endure and overcome. It is important that the audience leaves the performance understanding that Ma Rainey and her band, lived during a time of overt racism, sexism, and economic exploitation. She lived during a time when women and Black people had a societal place. Ma Rainey fought against that societal expectation and oppression through her music and her life accomplishments.
Most importantly, it is my intention to give the audience an inside peak into the Black bottom of Ma Rainey. What was August Wilson referring to when he named the play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom? I pray that the audience becomes so engaged into the play that they get an understanding of the effect of racism on the psychological health of Black men and women. I hope that leave with a better understanding of how the social constructs of Black men and women in American society affect that relationship in all areas of social interaction. Most importantly it is important that the audience leaves with an understanding of how systemic and social trauma based upon race and economic exploitation affects the Black community. These effects are seen throughout the play beautifully and brilliantly by the words of August Wilson in the male characters. These men talk of their experiences and engage in conflicting philosophies that end in tragedy, hence Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Q: What has the rehearsal experience been like for you?
A: The rehearsal experience has been rewarding. Under the direction of Keith McCoy, I was able to engage in conversations about the characters and their relationships with each other. While the rehearsal process is definitely about learning lines and blocking, it is also about analyzing the scripts from the eyes of each character in the play. He created an atmosphere that allowed me to discover Ma Rainey for myself as an actor. It was and is especially important that my portrayal of Ma Rainey is not a copy of anyone else, that it is true to me as an actor when I am in character and within the space on stage. So, the rehearsal process was extremely rewarding.
Q: How do you feel our audience will know Ma Rainey better after seeing this performance? What do you hope translates to the audience from this show?
A: I feel that the audience will leave understanding that the Black Bottom is not just a song, but it is a metaphor for the life that Black Americans lived during this period, not only in the Jim Crow South, but in the North as well. I hope that when the audience views this production, they will leave an understanding of the need for racial, gender and class unity.
Q: If there is anything else you would like to share, this is your space to do so.
A: I would like to thank the Springer Opera House for the opportunity to bring to life Ma Rainey on their stage. It is a great honor to stand on a stage that she herself once stood. It is truly my pleasure to portray Columbus’s own hometown lady in her hometown. I look forward to seeing the Columbus community at the shows. I pray that they leave not only entertained, but educated and enlightened. ◼️
If You Go:
What: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom When: January 24 - Feburary 2, 2025
Where: Springer Opera House