"The Piano Lesson" strings a powerful note in human drama

November 26, 2024

Courtesy: Netflix

The Piano Lesson is the riveting drama that debuted on Netflix on November 22. Adapted from the 1987 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, the film follows the an African American family in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, and the family piano, an heirloom, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.

Directed and co-written by John David Washington's brother, Malcolm Washington, it marks his first directorial debut with Virgil Williams. Making it a true family affair, the film is also produced by their father, Denzel Washington, with Todd Black. The Piano Lesson is part of Wilson's American Century Cycle collection (ten plays chronicling African-American life in Pittsburgh during the 20th century), of which Denzel directed and starred in 2016's Fences and produced 2020's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

The series stars:

• Samuel L. Jackson as Doaker Charles

• John David Washington as Boy Willie Charles

• Ray Fisher as Lymon

• Michael Potts as Wining Boy Charles

• Erykah Badu as Lucille

• Skylar Aleece Smith as Maretha Charles

• Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece Charles

• Corey Hawkins as Avery Brown

• Melanie Jeffcoat as Miss Ophelia

• Gail Bean as Dolly

• Jerrika Hinton as Grace

• Stephan James as Boy Charles

• Malik J. Ali as Willie Boy

• Jay Peterson as James Sutter

• Matrell Smith as Crawley

Courtesy: Netflix

With masterful performances, most notably by Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson brings Wilson's words to life in a truly engaging body of work deeply rooted in history and spirituality. Jackson, Washington, Fisher, and Potts, who starred in its Broadway revival in 2022, reprise their roles with the same outstanding performances in the cinematic adaptation. Malcolm Washington is flawless in his directorial debut. His conviction to direct an important narrative is filled with pain and legacy as siblings Boy Willie and Berneice battle whether to sell the piano or keep it. With images of members of the Charles family ornately carved into the piano, the musical instrument holds deep sentimental value, one deeply cemented in slavery but also as a symbol preserving their family's legacy.

The Piano Lesson strings a powerful note in human drama fueled by the human spirit, religion, the Black experience, and aspirations to be more than who we can be.

The film is a must-see filled with captivating performances, intricate details of honoring our past, and a poignant exploration with emotional pathos that uplifts the human spirit.

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The Piano Lesson is currently streaming on Netflix.

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