behind the scenes: MA RAiney's black bottom

Photography by Alfred Haymond

On view at A Noise Within  |  August 23 – September 20

Step beyond the footlights and into the beating heart of the rehearsal room. In this striking collection of black-and-white photography, Altadena-based artist Alfred Haymond captures the raw artistry, quiet inferences, and electric moments that breathe life into Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom long before the curtain rises. As Director Gregg T. Daniel conducts the seventh installation of August Wilson’s ten monumental Century Cycle of plays at A Noise Within, Haymond’s lens discreetly reveals the sweat and soul behind the performance.

As the curator of the “Observations in Black” annual Black History Month photography exhibit, and an artist intimately familiar with Wilson’s masterful catalog, Haymond brings an unflinching sensitivity to this project. Drawing on influences of legends like Gordon Parks, John Coltrane, and Gil Scott-Heron, he possesses an instinctive eye for truth in composition. His collaboration with A Noise Within does more than simply document a play—it visually echoes the rhythm, struggle, and deep blues elemental in Wilson’s writing, translating the cadence of music and literature into a compelling visual narrative.

Haymond’s dedication to the arts extends far beyond the gallery walls. As the founder of the non-profit organization Your Greatness is Showing, he is firmly committed to igniting a spark in the next generation of those interested in the arts. Through this vital initiative, he provides underserved artists of all ages with the pathways and opportunities to discover their voices, hone their craft, and realize their full potential. In his own words,

Alfred Haymond asserts, “As a photographer, we’re societal documentarians and cultural historians. I am grateful to share my work with the patrons who support this theater; I strive to inspire others in our community and hope a measure of what is on display here at aNoiseWithin does its part in honoring the legacy of August Wilson.”

Plan Your Visit: We warmly invite you to arrive early, immerse yourself in this monumental exhibition, and experience a rare, intimate glimpse into the evolution of a truly powerful production.