A haunting legacy: ‘The Piano Lesson’ on screen
In the evocative world of August Wilson’s play “The Piano Lesson,” the piano is more than just an instrument; it is a symbol of family history, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for freedom. Revived on Broadway in 2022 and now adapted for the screen by Malcolm Washington, this story delves deep into the complexities of heritage and the haunting presence of the past.
The piano as a symbol of sacrifice
Berniece, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, hasn’t touched the piano since her mother’s death. It stands in her living room, a silent testament to the trials and tribulations her ancestors endured. The piano’s polished wood is intricately carved with the faces of her forebears, making it a powerful emblem of her family’s legacy.
A brother’s ambition
Enter Boy Willie, Berniece’s brother, played by John David Washington. He bursts into her home with a grand plan: to sell the piano and a truckload of watermelons to buy a piece of land their family once worked as slaves. Boy Willie believes this is what their parents would have wanted, but Berniece sees the piano as a sacred relic that must not be sold. This sets the stage for a profound conflict between moving forward and holding on to the past.
A stellar cast brings depth to the story
While the film retains much of the Broadway cast, it is undeniably Deadwyler’s show. Her portrayal of Berniece is layered and intense, capturing the character’s internal struggle with a depth that even Wilson might not have anticipated. The dialogue, though sometimes stilted, is brought to life by the cast’s powerful performances.
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Doaker, the siblings’ uncle. His character provides a grounding presence, offering wisdom and perspective on the family’s tumultuous history. When Boy Willie and his friend Lymon (played by Ray Fisher) arrive, Doaker’s skepticism about their plan is palpable.
The ghost of the past
The film opens with a dramatic heist scene, where Berniece and Boy Willie’s father steals the piano from the white family that once owned them. This act of defiance cost him his life, and his ghost, along with the ghost of the white man who once “owned” their family, haunts the narrative. These supernatural elements add a layer of complexity to the story, making it clear that the past is never truly gone.
A family affair
It’s fitting that “The Piano Lesson” was brought to the screen by a family. Malcolm Washington, making his directorial debut, is the son of acting legend Denzel Washington, who starred in another Wilson adaptation, “Fences.” John David Washington reprises his role from the Broadway version, and their sister Katia joins Denzel among the film’s producers. This familial collaboration adds a personal touch to the film, resonating with the story’s themes of legacy and heritage.
A universal tale
While “The Piano Lesson” is set in the 1930s, its themes are timeless. It speaks to the African American experience, contrasting the lives of those who stayed in the South with those who migrated North during the Great Migration. The film critiques systemic racism and the dark legacy of vigilante justice, which claimed the lives of both Berniece’s father and her husband.
The power of ancestral music
The film’s climax is both haunting and hopeful. As Berniece finally plays the piano, the ancestral music becomes a force that can set the family free from their psychological trauma. The spirits watching over them through the piano are a reminder that while the past may haunt us, it can also guide us toward healing.
A cinematic experience
Malcolm Washington’s direction brings a cinematic quality to Wilson’s one-room play. The film’s visual elements, from the ghostly apparitions to the vibrant scenes at the Crawford Grill, breathe life into the story. The characters’ interactions, especially the musical moments between Doaker and Wining Boy (played by Michael Potts), add a richness to the narrative.
“The Piano Lesson” is a poignant exploration of family, history, and the enduring power of music. It challenges us to confront our past while finding the strength to move forward. For those who appreciate deep, character-driven stories, this film is a must-watch.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Piano Lesson.
Keywords: August Wilson, The Piano Lesson, family legacy, Malcolm Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, African American history, systemic racism, ancestral music.