Tony winner Phylicia Rashad, who directed Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Taper in 2013, directs this groundbreaking play, which “depicts the racism and exploitation in the music industry through a 1927 recording session in Chicago with a legendary blues singer,” according to production notes.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is inspired by the real-life Gertrude “Ma” Rainey.

The cast features Greg Bryan, Keith David, Jason Dirden, Damon Gupton, Matthew Henerson, Nija Okoro, Lamar Richardson, Ed Swidey, Glynn Turman and Tony winner Lillias White.

Scenic design for the production is by John Iacovelli, with costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper and sound design by Dan Moses Schreier; the production stage manager is David Blackwell.

Tickets are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org. The Mark Taper Forum is located at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.