<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2bx9Jt_0wJ6VYt800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2bx9Jt_0wJ6VYt800" width="1200" height="675" ></figure>John David Washington and Skylar Smith star in “The Piano Lesson.” (Netflix)How much does your family legacy mean to you? Should it be sold or kept as a reminder of your ancestors’ journey and your family’s potential? The heirloom at the center of these questions is a cherished piano.The Piano Lesson premiered at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival on Oct. 16. It will be available on Netflix starting Nov. 22. Produced by Denzel Washington, the film marks the directorial debut of his son, Malcolm Washington. It stars another son, John David Washington. Chicago native Virgil Williams wrote the screenplay, and a Q&amp;A panel discussion featured director and actor Ron O.J. Parsons, who has connections to August Wilson.Adapted from August Wilson’s 1987 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the story unfolds in the Charles household, where sibling conflict arises over the piano’s fate. One brother (John David Washington) wants to sell it to build wealth, while his sister (Danielle Deadwyler) fights to preserve it as a symbol of their heritage. Their uncle (Samuel L. Jackson) attempts to mediate but struggles with the ghosts of the past.This powerful film explores intergenerational themes of identity, resilience and legacy. It features an all-star cast, including Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith and Corey Hawkins.<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cZwjt0pjt8w?enablejsapi=1&amp;autoplay=0&amp;cc_load_policy=0&amp;cc_lang_pref=&amp;iv_load_policy=1&amp;loop=0&amp;modestbranding=0&amp;rel=1&amp;fs=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autohide=2&amp;theme=dark&amp;color=red&amp;controls=1&amp;" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div><h2>Meeting Malcolm, David, Virgil, and Ron O.J. on the Red Carpet</h2>Director Malcolm Washington expressed gratitude for the chance to bring this project to life, emphasizing the significance of translating August Wilson’s powerful themes from stage to screen. He noted that this adaptation opens the narrative to a broader audience, allowing them to experience its richness.Reflecting on advice from his father, who portrayed Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s film, Malcolm emphasized that the goal wasn’t to replicate Wilson’s work verbatim but to capture its spirit, creating an adaptation distinct and respectful of its origins. “Every day, you make decisions that come from a place of truth and honesty,” he stated, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the storytelling.Malcolm also highlighted the importance of legacy, saying, “We must acknowledge those who came before us. Their sacrifices have shaped our lives, and recognizing that connection enriches our narrative.” He addressed the challenges of adapting such a beloved work, admitting, “There’s a natural fear in approaching material that holds deep meaning for many. Staying true to the story’s essence and approaching it honestly is crucial. That’s how we honor its creators.”John David Washington, who reprised his role as Boy Willie from the stage to the film, discussed the unique challenges of adapting a theatrical performance into a cinematic experience. He noted that while theater is continuous, the film allows visual storytelling that captures characters’ internal lives through imagery and subtlety. “In film, we can visually open up the dialogue, showing reactions and emotions that a stage setting doesn’t always allow,” he explained.He reflected on his brother’s influence: “A good director makes you feel seen and supported. My brother, who directed this film, is phenomenal and helped me find depth in the character. He emphasized the trust built from their upbringing, which made collaboration easier.On working alongside industry giants like Samuel L. Jackson, he admitted it was a challenge to stay grounded: “The hardest part was not freaking out when Sam was watching me deliver lines he helped craft. I had to remind myself I was here for a reason.” He also praised the cast’s camaraderie: “It felt like family. We joked around during rehearsals, creating a comfortable and creative atmosphere.”<blockquote>When asked about returning to Chicago, screenwriter Virgil Williams discussed the challenges of adapting “The Piano Lesson” from a one-room stage play to a cinematic experience. He expressed his honor in participating in the project: “We are stewards carrying the torch of August Wilson. Working alongside mentors like Denzel Washington and his family is an out-of-body experience.”</blockquote>He reflected on his roots and said, “It’s an honor to be back. Today, I took a two-hour walk, reflecting and shedding tears in the streets. I haven’t returned since 2018, and coming back feels profound.”Williams noted that the most significant challenge was expanding the setting while staying true to the story. He praised Malcolm’s use of flashbacks to illustrate offstage narratives, allowing audiences to visualize the characters’ histories. This method helped honor Wilson’s original intent while creating a richer visual experience. He described the adaptation process as an excavation of Wilson’s work, emphasizing the importance of preserving what is intact in his writing.Ron O.J. Parson, who has directed numerous plays based on August Wilson’s work and was close friends with him, expressed his thoughts during the film screening.“Anything connected to August Wilson resonates deeply, reflecting the love inherent in our culture. His work has always been a source of pride and strength. It’s truly an honor to be involved in anything related to August—whether it’s his plays, films or experiences that embody his spirit. His legacy is vital to theater and film, and his impact is immeasurable. Knowing him and appreciating his contributions enriches our understanding of storytelling and its power to connect us all.<h2>The Moral of the Story: Family Heritage and Legacy</h2>The film explores themes of family and heritage, amplified by personal relationships among the cast and crew. Malcolm highlighted how these familial ties infused the production with a unique energy: “Everything was real; we aimed to charge each element with a sense of community and ancestral connection.”Malcolm expressed his hope for families to watch the film together, noting its potential to help future generations understand their histories. “We wanted to create something young people could see themselves in,” he said, underscoring the film’s role in preserving cultural stories.As the conversation concluded, the panel hoped that “The Piano Lesson” would resonate deeply with viewers, encouraging engagement with Wilson’s work and its family, heritage and identity themes. Their commitment to honoring Wilson’s legacy while crafting a unique cinematic experience highlights the importance of storytelling in bridging generations.The film leaves a powerful impact, delving into family, conflict, love and the connection to ancestry. It captures the intensity of these experiences while offering a sense of healing, exploring how our past shapes our present and future.The Piano Lesson is scheduled to debut in theaters nationwide on Nov. 8 and be available for streaming on Netflix on Nov. 22.</div></body>

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Malcolm Washington Brings August Wilson’s ‘The Piano Lesson’ to the Big Screen

John David Washington and Skylar Smith star in “The Piano Lesson.” (Netflix) How much does your family legacy mean to you? Should it be sold or kept as a reminder of your ancestors’ journey and your family’s potential? The heirloom at the center of these questions is a cherished piano.