An adaptation of August Wilson’s play, The Piano Lesson, provides an insightful look into the lives of African Americans in the 1930s. Berniece views it as a sacred family heirloom, while Boy Willie wants to sell it to buy the Sutter land that has gone up for sale following James Sutter’s death. Each actor brings nuance to their roles: Berniece …
Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece and John David Washington as Boy Willie in "The Piano Lesson." Denzel Washington serves as executive producer of the Netflix adaptation, his third Wilson on-screen production after “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The new adaptation is a family affair. A Slant review of the film really hits the nail on the head: “With a full …
Danielle Deadwyler was not expecting to cry. Produced by Denzel Washington and Todd Black and featuring Washington’s son John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Corey Hawkins among its cast, “The Piano Lesson’s” credits are full of bold-faced names. It’s all in her eyes.” Some awards season forecasters are already speculating that Deadwyler’s performance could make her a serious Oscar …
