Field Trip to "A Noise Within Theater"

A classroom discussion can introduce students to a work of literature, but seeing it performed on stage offers a different experience.

On September 9, AP English Literature and Composition students attended a production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at A Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena. Set in 1920s Chicago, the play depicts a recording session with legendary blues singer Ma Rainey and her band. Their struggles to maintain autonomy reflects the racism and exploitation faced by Black artists of the time.

Following the performance, students participated in a cast talkback, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the actors’ preparation, creative choices, and hidden messages within the play’s opening.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a unique play unlike others! Instead of focusing only on Ma Rainey, it goes into the relationships and dynamics of multiple characters, where the audience can truly see the character development and plot unfold. It’s also neat how the actors interacted with all sides of the stage, in which even people sitting on the sides of the stage felt like they were sitting in the front,” said senior Lacy Kong.

The field trip was planned as an introduction to August Wilson’s writing before students read another one of his works, Fences.

“Wilson is an author whose work has frequently appeared on the AP Literature exam, so becoming familiar with his style is very valuable,” said English teacher Emma Thompson.

As the class continues throughout the year, students will continue to explore literary themes and connect them to broader historical events.