NEW YORK - The Tony nominated work “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” by the late August Wilson is now playing to the masses on screen courtesy of celebrated director and theater artist, George C. Wolfe.

The film centers around Ma Rainey, a real life blues singer, played by Viola Davis, and her bandmates featuring Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts and the late Chadwick Boseman. Little did Wolfe know, when he was directing the film, that he would be directing Boseman’s final performance.

"I have trouble with past tense with him. But you know, it was a joy watching him go on the journey, of stripping himself emotionally bare. So every single moment that I had working with him on the film was a moment filled with vibrancy and veracity and commitment. So that's what I continue and wear with me to this very day," said Wolfe.

What You Need To Know

  • August Wilson's Play "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is getting the film treatment by Netflix

  • Chadwick Boseman stars alongside Viola Davis, in his last filmed performance

  • Frank DiLella spoke with cast members and director George C. Wolfe to learn about Boseman's powerful last act

Theater veteran Colman Domingo spoke about playing opposite Chadwick in the film. "In the aftermath, knowing that Chadwick was doing that work as someone who was struggling with cancer and knowing he was working with these able-bodied men who were, it was also strenuous on us. I can't even imagine the kind of strength in faith that it took for him to do that work. And I'm incredibly humbled that I got a chance to work with him. And this film is a true testament and part of his legacy of being such a courageous, strong human, and I think his performance will last forever," said Domingo.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” derives from August Wilson’s incredible ten play cycle. Other notable plays in that cycle include “Fences,” “Jitney,” and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”

"Part of the whole August Wilson's American century cycle, is the struggle for humanity and agency and for Black people in this country and obstacles that we face, both personally on a very personal, unique and personal level, and also on the level of societal level. It's happening in the film as well and in this particular story. So it's incredibly topical," concluded Actor Michael Potts.

You can catch "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" on Netflix starting Friday.