At first glance, “The Piano Lesson” did not really
grip my attention. I was reading a play expecting something more musical. “The
Piano Lesson” is essentially a ghost story. One would not expect that by looking
at its name or cover. Its key values also represent what drama is all about;
although music is a key value, there are other major themes present-- such as
Overcoming Death and even Femininity. The physical piano in the play holds much
history, much more than just a mere piano. The piano was handcrafted and made
by ancestors of one of the main characters.
August Wilson has written two
Pulitzer Prize winning plays; “The Piano Lesson” being one, and “Fences” being
the other. Wilson’s plays ultimately explore black American life in Pittsburgh
throughout the 20th century.
The
Piano Lesson has been redone time and time again, having many theaters around
the country doing their own adaptation of the play. The play was also made into
a TV Movie produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame. The movie won an Emmy award for
“Most Outstanding Made for Television Movie”, and was nominated for several
others.
The
characters in “The Piano Lesson” are very unique. Berniece constantly mourns
for her husband Crawley. Berniece wants to keep the piano, un-played and does
not plan on playing the piano either as she feels it is a part of the family’s
history to have it. On the other end, her brother Boy Willie wants to sell the
piano, to buy the land that their ancestors were enslaved on.
I
personally did not expect to like this play much, but I was wrong. It’s a spook
story that reminds one of what family heirlooms and property really stand for.
For more information on “The Piano Lesson” visit http://www.enotes.com/piano-lesson-wilson-salem/piano-lesson
I like how you said the characters are very unique. I feel the same way. They all have a specific type of personality, which you do not see in many plays.
ReplyDeleteThe Piano Lesson by August Wilson was more interesting than expected. I would like to read more of August Wilson's work. I was also expecting something different from this piece of work. I thought it was going to be like a story about piano lessons. It was indeed a story about a piano but it was more about the history of Boy Willie and Berniece's family. The piano did play a huge role. Sutter's ghost was the spooky part of the film.I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! I know right, the characters all have something about them that we haven't seen in most plays.
ReplyDeleteJessica; Sutter's ghost was pretty spooky, i wish they showed the actual ghost in the movie, like they had written in the text!
I agree, I also thought this is a play you have to see to understand and appreciate.
ReplyDeleteYeah, definitely! :)
ReplyDeleteThe title is definely a catch!
ReplyDeleteWell written, but I don't see much as a ghost story. I mainly see it as an internal conflict that Berenice is having. Other than that I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI agree definitely need to read and watch it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think many people can relate to the message in this play.
ReplyDelete