“The Piano Lesson” Delivers Another Powerful August Wilson Adaptation

The vibes were electric from a full theater at the Telluride Film Festival in anticipation of Malcolm Washington’s directorial debut, “The Piano Lesson.” After Washington humbly thanked everyone for attending the early morning screening, the lights dimmed, and the experience of Boy Willie, Doaker, Berniece, Whining Boy, and Lymon began.

The August Wilson play was originally performed at the Yale Repertory Theatre in November 1987 with Samuel L. Jackson starring as Boy Willie. It later moved to Broadway with Charles “Roc” Dutton taking over the role. “The Piano Lesson” was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning Best Play, and also took home the 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play. A 1995 television adaptation followed for Hallmark before being revived in 2022 for the stage. Directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, the revival starring Danielle Brooks, Samuel L. Jackson (now as Doaker Charles), and John David Washington became the highest-grossing revival of a play on Broadway.

Jackson, Washington, Ray Fisher, and Michael Potts have carried over from that production to the new Netflix film. The action kicks off in 1936 on Independence Day, with the narrative of strong-willed siblings Boy Willie (Washington) and Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) simmering as they fight over the future of a 137-year-old piano serving as a legacy symbol representing the family’s history.

Generational wealth and preserving the legacy of one’s family, no matter what form it takes, is a staple in the Black community. Additionally, using music as a language to congregate, elicit joy, and/or express despair is vital. We all have that one relative with slick talk selling dreams of grandeur and a sibling who can never see eye-to-eye, especially when it comes to something as significant as a family heirloom like the piano in question.

Berniece and Boy Willie may not agree, but Danielle Deadwyler and John David Washington are the dynamic cinematic duo we didn’t know we needed. Both perfectly capture the fire associated with August Wilson’s dialogue. When Boy Willie says, “I feel slow just like molasses with the world just slipping by me,” it resonates deeply, as everyone has felt this way at some point in their lives.

Wilson is known for his meaty monologues, with characters often providing subtext about their lives during the course of any scene. Doaker has one of the best speeches, breaking down the piano’s history and importance, solidifying Berniece’s unwillingness to sell. Samuel L. Jackson is hilarious as Doaker and serves as the anchor for the entire piece. Deadwyler is equally powerful, emerging as one of the best and brightest talents of her generation.

However, John David Washington is transformatively magnificent as Boy Willie. His command of this character is complex, layered, and empathetic, making Boy Willie his best performance to date. Equally powerful are Corey Hawkins (Avery), Michael Potts (Whining Boy), and Ray Fisher (Lymon).

Production designer David J. Bomba deserves praise for the piano alone, with its intricate, haunt-like carvings. Costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck continues to exemplify Black excellence.

Malcolm Washington, in tandem with cinematographer Mike Gioulakis, brings vivid imagery to scenes, capturing something as simple as a reverberating plucked piano key, placing the audience right in the belly of the instrument. Washington’s cinematic re-envisioning of this Wilson classic hits every note to perfection.

Having seen the original play, the larger presence of Grace was missed on stage, but viewers will be enthralled by the juke joint world she inhabits alongside Erykah Badu as the chanteuse club vocalist.

More than just a sibling story, “The Piano Lesson” reminds women they can be anything without a man. August Wilson’s plays typically feature few women, leaving men to shoulder the heavy dialogues. Yet, these male characters range from conniving to loving, supportive, and comical, reminding us of another Black community staple: owning land. Having property is as crucial as securing education, a value ingrained since the times when Blacks were forbidden to read and write.

With resonant performances and a directorial debut that will not soon be forgotten, “The Piano Lesson” is a lesson in love, friendship, and family. It serves as a reminder that generational wealth is not just monetary but emotionally and genetically tied to our ancestors.

“The Piano Lesson” will be released by Netflix.

Source: TheWrap