By Kathia Woods | Special to The OBSERVER
Malcolm Washington, in his feature film debut, directs “The Piano Lesson,” an adaptation of August Wilson’s play that explores the profound impact of generational trauma on Black families in post-reconstruction America. Produced by Denzel Washington, who previously adapted Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Fences,” this Netflix film delves into the complexities faced by a family grappling with their history.
Set in the 1930s, this story explores the conflict between two siblings over a treasured heirloom from the slavery era — a piano. One sibling desires to sell the piano to purchase land, while the other is determined to keep it within the family. Director Washington skillfully portrays this tension through the compelling performances of John David Washington as Boy Willie and Danielle Deadwyler as Bernice.
The most personal adaptation of August Wilson’s play for the screen, “The Piano Lesson,” explores the lasting effects of slavery on a Pittsburgh family. Set primarily in their home, the film powerfully explores the family’s past through vivid flashbacks, revealing how the trauma of enslavement continues to shape their present lives.
In collaboration with Virgil Williams, Washington wrote and directed the film adaptation. While remaining faithful to the 1987 play, the film expands its scope beyond the stage, incorporating additional scenes that enrich the narrative. It serves as a tribute to Wilson’s ancestors, who, like Wilson himself, settled in Pittsburgh. Uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson) and young daughter Maretha (Skylar Aleece Smith) further enliven the family. The film commences with a flashback to 1911, shedding light on a pivotal element that elucidates Bernice’s profound emotional connection to the piano. The flashback reveals that Doaker and Berniece’s father stole the piano from a former plantation in Mississippi.
One sibling sees it as a gateway to financial freedom, while the other bridges to the past.
The theft of the piano on the 4th of July is a pivotal moment in the story. Washington explores its symbolism in the film, with fireworks in the background casting the characters in red, white, and blue light. This visual highlights the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom while others remain enslaved. The Great Depression intensifies Boy Willie’s desire to purchase the land and his longing for ownership, particularly as a descendant of those denied the fruits of their labor. With his friend Lymon (Ray Fisher) by his side, he’s determined to claim what he believes is rightfully his. They travel to Pittsburgh to sell watermelons to fund the land purchase, but Boy Willie also needs to sell the piano to realize his dream.
The piano holds a deep-rooted significance for Berniece, symbolizing her final connection to her ancestors. Despite not playing the instrument, she is hesitant to part with it. This creates a rift between the siblings, as they hold contrasting views on the piano’s value. While one sibling sees it as a means to achieve financial independence, the other cherishes it as a tangible link to their shared heritage.
August Wilson, a prominent voice in Black American literature, eloquently portrays the struggles of Black families striving for a place in a nation that historically oppressed them. His narratives delve into the lives of ordinary individuals navigating the complexities of carving out a space for themselves in a society that often denies them opportunities. Wilson’s works also shed light on the intergenerational trauma that lingers within these families, a consequence of enduring decades of hardship without the chance to properly heal.
In “The Piano Lesson,” Wilson uses a tangible object, the piano, to symbolize this complex history. The piano’s wood bears the faces of ancestors, both enslaved and free, representing the family’s journey through slavery and its aftermath. This instrument becomes a powerful metaphor for the weight of inherited pain and the enduring spirit of survival. It is a constant reminder of the family’s history, a source of both sorrow and joy.
John David Washington delivers a stunning performance as Boy Willie, a role that allows him to establish his own identity as an artist, separate from his famous family. Under the guidance of his brother’s direction, Washington embodies Boy Willie with his entire being, creating a portrait of a man who yearns for recognition and understanding. Washington’s portrayal is nuanced and captivating, as he effortlessly transitions from moments of joy to frustration. He challenges the audience to see beyond Boy Willie’s desire to sell the piano as mere selfishness, revealing a deeper need for self-actualization. The equally outstanding Deadwyler portrays Bernice, another pivotal character in the story.
She is a revelation, fully embracing her gifts. We see a woman grappling with grief — not only for her husband but also for her mother. As she navigates motherhood herself, she longs for her own mother’s guidance. Like Boy Willie, she realizes that she has suppressed parts of herself for survival. Due to the complexities of being a Black woman, she cannot let go of the piano, even though it represents tragedy.
This play, much like its source material, is a tribute to Black resilience, love, and the capacity to overcome the enduring legacy of slavery while acknowledging the lingering pain. It serves as a poignant reminder that grief is a journey, and family, though not always harmonious, is the anchor that sustains us through challenging times.