TORONTO, Canada – The latest film adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” produced by Denzel Washington and directed by his son Malcolm Washington, premiered Tuesday at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film, a deeply moving exploration of ancestry and heritage, is a Washington family project through and through.
The adaptation marks the third of Wilson’s plays to be brought to the screen by Denzel Washington, following “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
This time, Malcolm takes the director’s chair while his brother, John David Washington, stars alongside Danielle Deadwyler as siblings Boy Willie and Berniece in a story set in 1930s Pittsburgh.
They are joined by a cast that includes Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Potts, and Ray Fisher.
The plot revolves around a family heirloom: a piano intricately carved by their enslaved ancestors.
Boy Willie arrives at his sister’s home intent on selling the piano to buy land, while Berniece refuses to part with the symbol of their heritage.
The film’s drama powerfully confronts the haunting legacy of slavery and the complexities of family history.
“There are so many legacies tied into this,” said Malcolm Washington, 33, discussing the film’s themes ahead of its release on Netflix in November.
“I think it’s part of our duty when you’re in the position to make a film like this to honour that and uphold it. We’re here because so many people fought and sacrificed.”
A Washington Family Production
The project’s roots trace back to Denzel Washington’s long-standing admiration for August Wilson’s work.
Denzel and his producing partner Todd Black shared that Malcolm came to them with a vision for the film.
“Malcolm said he had a take,” Denzel recalled, noting that his son initially created a short film to showcase his approach to the material. Impressed by the vision, Denzel encouraged Malcolm to direct the full-length feature.
Still, Malcolm took his time before committing to the project. “Let me see if I see the movie first,” Malcolm told his father, eventually co-authoring the screenplay with Virgil Williams (writer of “Mudbound”).
Denzel, an Academy Award-winning actor and director, intentionally kept his distance during filming, allowing Malcolm to shape the project independently.
“He’s a real filmmaker,” Denzel said, reflecting on his son’s careful approach. “He took his time, and he didn’t just jump in.”
For John David Washington, 40, this film builds on his established career as a leading man in Hollywood, with previous roles in “BlacKkKlansman” and “Tenet”. His performance as Boy Willie underscores his evolving versatility and command on screen.
A Dedication to Pauletta Washington
“The Piano Lesson” carries personal significance for the Washington family beyond the adaptation itself.
Malcolm and John David’s mother, Pauletta Washington, plays Mama Ola, and the movie is dedicated to her.
“As we were shooting, I just really started to see this mother-daughter story,” Malcolm shared, emphasizing his mother’s influence on his life and the project.
The family involvement doesn’t end there. Olivia Washington, another of Malcolm’s sisters, portrays a young Mama Ola, while Katia Washington serves as an executive producer.
Despite Denzel’s near-absence from the film, Malcolm ensured his father’s presence with a brief voice recording.
“Am I in it?” Denzel joked during the interview, noting that while he recorded something for the film, he’s unsure if he received credit.
Honouring August Wilson’s Legacy
As with all of Denzel Washington’s previous Wilson adaptations, the focus remained on honouring the playwright’s legacy.
“We’re here to honour one of our greats,” Malcolm said, referring to Wilson’s profound impact on American theatre and storytelling.
Denzel’s deep passion for Wilson’s works has been a driving force behind the adaptations. “It’s such an important part of his legacy to continue telling August’s stories,” Malcolm remarked.
With this adaptation of “The Piano Lesson”, the Washington family continues to build on August Wilson’s rich legacy, delivering a film that celebrates history, heritage, and the personal connections that bind them all together.
