Fresh Air: Danielle Deadwyler 'Overprepared' For 'The Piano Lesson'
Hosted by Tanya Moseley | NPR | Released on December 10, 2024
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Fresh Air, host Tanya Moseley welcomes the acclaimed actress Danielle Deadwyler to discuss her recent work in the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Deadwyler, renowned for her powerful performances in projects like HBO Max’s Station 11, Netflix’s The Harder They Fall, and the critically acclaimed film Till, delves deep into her portrayal of Bernice—a widowed single mother embroiled in familial and historical conflicts in 1930s Pittsburgh.
Career Highlights and Background
Danielle Deadwyler brings a wealth of experience and depth to her roles, particularly in historical narratives. Moseley highlights Deadwyler's impressive academic background, noting she holds three master’s degrees and initially pursued a career in education, teaching elementary school before transitioning back to the stage.
Notable Quote:
"Art is a part of my everyday. The Atlanta art scene is just your quotidian experience."
(07:10) – Danielle Deadwyler
Deadwyler's first significant break came with her performance as Lady in Yellow in the play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Her journey from education to acting underscores her dedication and the profound connection she feels towards her craft.
Exploring 'The Piano Lesson'
The Piano Lesson is a Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's iconic Broadway play, directed by Malcolm Washington and produced by Denzel Washington. Danielle Deadwyler portrays Bernice, who is locked in a fierce battle with her brother, Boy Willie, over the family's heirloom piano. This piano is not just a musical instrument but a potent symbol of legacy, trauma, and the struggle for power and identity within a Black family during the Jim Crow era.
Symbolism of the Piano: Deadwyler explains that the piano serves as an altar and a spiritual conduit for both Bernice and Boy Willie, representing their diverging paths and desires for upward mobility. For Boy Willie, the piano symbolizes economic empowerment and the tangible acquisition of land, whereas for Bernice, it embodies life force, vitality, and the preservation of familial and cultural heritage.
Notable Quotes:
"The piano is more so an altar, a spiritual representation of connectivity for both of them."
(04:34) – Danielle Deadwyler
"It's about life force, it's about vitality, it's about manifesting a certain kind of self."
(05:00) – Danielle Deadwyler
Character Dynamics and Themes
The episode delves into the complex relationship between Bernice and Boy Willie, played by John David Washington. Their conflict over the piano serves as a microcosm for larger themes of grief, trauma, and the quest for empowerment in the face of systemic oppression.
Scene Analysis: A particularly powerful moment discussed is a climactic scene where Bernice confronts Boy Willie about the choices their father made, highlighting the generational impact of trauma.
Notable Dialogue:
Boy Willie: "You always talking about your daddy, but you'll never stop to look at what his foolishness cost your mama. 17 years worth of cold nights and an empty bed for what? For a p. Hella. For a piece of wood. To get even with somebody."
(07:06)
Bernice: "I look at you and you all."
(07:27)
This exchange underscores the deep-seated resentment and the differing motivations driving the siblings, reflecting broader societal tensions of the era.
Preparation and Dedication to the Craft
Deadwyler emphasizes her meticulous preparation for the role of Bernice, describing herself as "overprepared" to honor the legacy of August Wilson's work and the expectations set by the original Broadway production.
Notable Quote:
"Overpreparing is living in it differently with regard to theater. It inhabits you every day. It's like it's with me all day long."
(10:10) – Danielle Deadwyler
She immersed herself in the script, allowing the language and emotional weight of the character to resonate deeply within her. This thorough preparation was essential, especially considering the high caliber of the supporting cast, including actors from the 2016 Broadway production.
Acting Philosophy and Physicality
Deadwyler discusses her approach to acting, highlighting her background in dance as foundational to her physical performance. She describes herself as a "physical actor," utilizing her entire body to convey emotion and narrative, beyond just verbal expressions.
Notable Quote:
"I'm a dancer first. That's my first medium since I was 4 or 5. The totality of the human body can be a part of choreography. It is defining of who and how a person is."
(13:13) – Danielle Deadwyler
This physicality allows her to connect more profoundly with her characters, drawing from her early years in dance to enhance her performances on stage and screen.
Balancing Academia and Acting
Despite her deep roots in the Atlanta art scene and her academic achievements, Deadwyler shares how her passion for acting ultimately led her to leave her teaching career. The transition was driven by an inherent need to engage more fully with her art, culminating in her decision to audition for and secure roles that resonate with her personal and professional aspirations.
Notable Quote:
"Something is missing. I need this fuller. I need this more every day."
(17:35) – Danielle Deadwyler
Her departure from academia was marked by a commitment to pursue acting with greater intensity, allowing her to integrate her creative expression into her daily life.
Impact of 'Till' and Historical Roles
Deadwyler's role as Mamie Till in the 2022 film Till is another significant highlight of her career. The film portrays Mamie's relentless pursuit of justice following the brutal murder of her son, Emmett Till, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.
Preparation for the Role: Drawing from her upbringing in the South and her family's history with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Deadwyler infused her performance with a deep understanding of the historical and emotional context.
Notable Quote:
"It's bigger than a cautionary tale. It's changed the way a generation of people move through the world."
(29:37) – Danielle Deadwyler
Memorable Scene: A particularly intimate scene involves Mamie Till confronting her grief upon seeing her son's mutilated body, showcasing Deadwyler's ability to convey profound sorrow and resilience.
Future Projects and Legacy
Looking ahead, Deadwyler shares her enthusiasm for upcoming projects that continue to explore Black womanhood and Southern experiences. She expresses a desire to tell stories that connect historical legacy with contemporary narratives, emphasizing the importance of understanding history to navigate present-day realities.
Notable Quote:
"These stories are about legacy. How do we hold them, how do we extend them, how do we connect them to others?"
(37:55) – Danielle Deadwyler
She is set to portray Zelma in the story of Otis Redding, further cementing her role as a storyteller who highlights the often-overlooked narratives of women behind iconic figures.
Conclusion
Danielle Deadwyler's insightful discussion on Fresh Air offers a profound look into her artistic journey, her dedication to portraying complex historical figures, and her unwavering commitment to her craft. Her portrayal of Bernice in The Piano Lesson and Mamie Till in Till exemplify her ability to breathe life into narratives that are both historically significant and emotionally resonant. Deadwyler's blend of academic rigor, physicality, and heartfelt performance continues to make her a standout figure in contemporary acting.
Final Notable Quote:
"Art should be a part of it. I should blend these two things."
(16:08) – Danielle Deadwyler
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