Denzel Washington premieres The Piano Lesson in Toronto with his sons
Malcolm directs, John David stars in Denzel's adaptation of The Piano Lesson
TORONTO – This week, acclaimed actor Denzel Washington walked the red carpet with his two sons for the Toronto screening of “The Piano Lesson.” The film, a Netflix production, explores the legacy of an African-American family. Denzel Washington served as the executive producer, while his son Malcolm directed the film—his debut. Another son, John David, starred in a leading role.
“The Piano Lesson” adapts August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The story revolves around a dispute between a brother and sister over an heirloom piano, intricately carved by their great-grandfather and haunted by a ghost from their enslaved past. Malcolm Washington, who also directed a Broadway version of the play featuring his brother, said their goal was to introduce this poignant narrative to a broader audience.
John David Washington’s character wants to sell the piano to buy land where their ancestors were enslaved, while Danielle Deadwyler’s character sees the piano as an irreplaceable link to their heritage. Samuel L. Jackson plays their uncle, attempting to mediate the conflict. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the film marks the third adaptation by Denzel Washington of Wilson’s 10-part ‘Pittsburgh Series,’ following “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
What an iconic red carpet! Denzel, John David & Malcom Washington along with Ray Fisher and Corey Hawkins bring the style to THE PIANO LESSON premiere. #TIFF24 #pianolesson #denzelwashington pic.twitter.com/3K1MsaxnHr
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) September 11, 2024
Denzel Washington shared that the Wilson estate entrusted him a decade ago to oversee the adaptation of Wilson’s plays. At the Toronto International Film Festival, he revealed that plans are underway for the next film, though he did not disclose its title.
Danielle Deadwyler, known for her role in 2021’s “The Harder They Fall,” expressed her gratitude for working with Malcolm Washington. She noted their shared artistic vision and thorough preparation for the project.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Star Tribune reports that Denzel Washington hands over the reins of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” to his son Malcolm, continuing the family’s legacy in theater.(read more)
- Hindustan Times reports that Denzel Washington and his sons, Malcolm and John David, brought a haunting family drama to the screen, featuring Washington as executive producer and Malcolm directing.(read more)
- WSAU News/Talk 550 AM · 99.9 FM | Wausau, Stevens Point Denzel Washington and his sons bring a haunting family drama to the screen with “The Piano Lesson,” adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What movie did Denzel Washington’s sons work on?
They worked on ‘The Piano Lesson.’
Who directed the Netflix movie ‘The Piano Lesson’?
Malcolm Washington directed it.
What is ‘The Piano Lesson’ about?
It’s about a sibling disagreement over an heirloom piano haunted by their family’s enslaved past.
Which actor plays the lead role in ‘The Piano Lesson’?
John David Washington plays one of the lead roles.
Is ‘The Piano Lesson’ part of a series?
‘Yes, it’s the third adaptation in August Wilson’s ‘Pittsburgh Series.’
