Ray Fisher shines in ‘The Piano Lesson’: A new chapter in his career
Ray Fisher, known for his compelling performances, takes on the role of Lymon in Netflix’s period drama The Piano Lesson. Starring alongside John David Washington, Fisher’s portrayal has already sparked early Oscar buzz, marking a significant comeback after his public disputes in the industry.
A fresh start for Fisher
The past few years have been tumultuous for Fisher, especially following his conflicts with notable figures in the film industry. However, this project offers him a chance to move forward. Reflecting on his journey, Fisher shared, “What helped this entire process is, I’ve got to give it up to August Wilson. The juxtaposition that existed within the piece, within the character. I think there’s a little of Lymon Jackson in all of us.”
Fisher’s connection to the character Lymon is profound. “There’s an innocence about him in this piece that many lose as time passes, especially when you endure such hardship. For me, it was a palate cleanser in many ways because I’ve endured specific hardships in my life and some career hardships. Being able to come back into this space and say, ‘I don’t want to get hung up on this. I don’t want to feel resentful for anything that happened.’ I want to move on, and that’s what Lymon represents.”
The story behind ’The Piano Lesson’
Based on August Wilson’s 1987 play, The Piano Lesson delves into the lives of the Charles family in 1936 Pittsburgh. The narrative explores their struggle with familial trauma and the literal ghosts of their ancestors, symbolized by the intricate carvings on a family piano. The central conflict revolves around whether to sell this heirloom or keep it as a memorial to the sacrifices of earlier generations.
A family affair on and off-screen
The film’s cast and crew, including Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, and co-writer Virgil Williams, share a unique bond that mirrors the familial themes of the story. The atmosphere during their interactions felt like a Sunday family dinner, filled with jokes, laughter, and camaraderie.
This familial connection is further emphasized by the film’s director and co-writer, Malcolm Washington, who is the younger brother of star John David Washington. Their father, the legendary Denzel Washington, produces the film alongside Todd Black, while their sister Katia Washington serves as an executive producer.
Behind the scenes: Memories and preparation
The Washington brothers reminisced about their childhood, sharing anecdotes that highlight their close-knit relationship. Malcolm Washington recalled, “John’s best friend Dominic, who’s like my brother, would come over about five nights a week. He’d kick me out of the bunk bed, and I’d sleep in the linen closet.”
Danielle Deadwyler, who plays Berniece, a widowed mother, has received critical acclaim for her powerful performance. She shared her intense preparation process, stating, “I knew I had to overprepare. I had to prepare for all the conversations we had beforehand that were raw and intuitively driven.”
Adapting a classic
Virgil Williams, known for his groundbreaking work on Mudbound, spoke about the challenges of adapting Wilson’s play. “Fear, reverence, and respect were like flashlights for both of us while we investigated and unpacked the material.”
Michael Potts, who portrays Whining Boy, discussed the complexity of his character, while Corey Hawkins, known for his roles in The Color Purple and The Tragedy of Macbeth, described his character Avery Brown as “a bit slippery because we talked about what his intentions were. He represents upward mobility.”
Celebrating iconic performances
Although Samuel L. Jackson and Denzel Washington were not present for the interview, the cast shared their favorite performances from the two stars. Their picks ranged from The Hurricane and Ricochet for Denzel Washington to Snakes on a Plane and Django Unchained for Jackson.
For the Washington brothers, Malcolm named Malcolm X as his favorite of his father’s performances, while John David said, “I’ve seen Glory the most.”
The Piano Lesson is not just a film; it’s a testament to the resilience of its characters and the dedication of its cast and crew. As Fisher and his co-stars bring this powerful story to life, they remind us of the enduring impact of family, history, and the arts.