In Malcolm Washington’s The Piano Lesson, Boy Willie (John David Washington) shows up with his friend Lymon (Ray Fisher) to the home of his sister Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) and their uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson). What begins as a disagreement over the fate of their prized family piano turns into a larger conflict over many things, including the potential presence of a ghost in the house.
Awards Buzz spoke with Washington about the challenges of making his first feature film and the privilege of adapting August Wilson’s play with cowriter Virgil Williams. Watch the video above to hear about the joy of working with Deadwyler and the benefits of casting his brother John David and having his father Denzel produce the film.
The Piano Lesson is streaming on Netflix.
