Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind The Making Of Bessie

It’s in the Script

When Rees came on board, Ma Rainey wasn’t included in the script at all. But because the two mirror each other in many ways, Rees decided to write the script around the arc of their relationship. Both were strong women who made their own fortune in show business, they were openly sexually fluid, and despite a few setbacks, they were able to maintain their friendship.