Fresh Air: The Washington Family Brings 'The Piano Lesson' To Film
Hosted by NPR's Tonya Mosley
Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Fresh Air, host Tonya Mosley engages in an intimate conversation with brothers Malcolm Washington, the director, and John David Washington, the lead actor, about their collaborative effort in adapting August Wilson's renowned play, "The Piano Lesson," for Netflix. This adaptation marks a significant addition to Wilson's American Century Cycle, a series capturing the quintessential Black American experience across the 20th century.

The Film Adaptation of "The Piano Lesson"

Malcolm and John David Washington have undertaken the ambitious project of translating August Wilson's complex narrative into a cinematic masterpiece. John David Washington reprises his role as Boy Willie, a character he originally portrayed in the Broadway revival of the play. Boy Willie is a determined, fast-talking man intent on selling his family's treasured piano to purchase land in Mississippi—a land tied to his ancestors' enslavement.

Notable Quote:

"If my daddy had seen what he could have traded that piano and for some land of his own, wouldn't be sitting up here now. He spent his whole life farming somebody else's land. I ain't gonna do that."
—John David Washington (03:44)

Malcolm Washington, making his directorial debut with this feature film, emphasizes the familial involvement in the project, with their father, the esteemed Denzel Washington, serving as a producer. The family's deep-rooted connection to the arts is further highlighted by their mother's appearance in the film as Mama Ola.

Directorial Vision and Historical Context

Malcolm Washington delves into his motivations for directing "The Piano Lesson," highlighting the urgency of preserving and reclaiming Black history and culture through storytelling.

Notable Quote:

"We're living in a time where people are trying to rewrite history or erase people from history and their contributions. So it's kind of incumbent upon all of us to reclaim our stories, you know, and proclaim them and declare them who we are as a people, who we are as a culture and identity."
—Malcolm Washington (04:47)

He discusses his approach to directing the film, which involved immersing himself in the historical context of August Wilson's work and understanding Wilson's personal and cultural perspectives to authentically bring the story to life.

John David Washington's Experience and Acting Process

John David reflects on his experience working alongside Samuel L. Jackson, who originally portrayed Boy Willie in the 1987 film version. He shares the emotional weight of being observed by an actor of Jackson's caliber and the pressure it brought to his performance.

Notable Quote:

"I felt so encouraged because of how he supported us. He was a great resource. You know, all of his experience in the art in this industry, he was very forthcoming about. He shared."
—John David Washington (07:10)

John David also touches upon why actors are drawn to August Wilson's work, citing the authenticity and relatability of Wilson's characters and dialogues that resonate deeply within the Black American experience.

Notable Quote:

"There's magic to that, to be honest. So that gravitational pull you speak of, it's almost like a relief. If we meet August Wilson with our best and most honest self and experience, you will come out a different actor."
—John David Washington (09:33)

Family Influence and Personal Background

The conversation shifts to the Washington brothers' personal backgrounds, including the origins of their unique names and their upbringing in Los Angeles. Both Malcolm and John David discuss the impact of growing up in a household led by accomplished actors Denzel and Pauletta Washington, and how their parents instilled a strong sense of Black pride and cultural consciousness.

Notable Quote:

"I grew up with such a strong consciousness, and you gotta remember, like, I grew up in the era of my dad, having played Malcolm X, you know, So I identify with Malcolm X as a figure. I identify with that part of our story."
—Malcolm Washington (14:36)

John David shares poignant childhood memories, including an emotional moment when his father invited him to join the set of "Glory," a request that was ultimately declined by his mother, leaving a lasting impression.

Navigating the Acting Industry and Fame

John David discusses his transition from a professional football career to acting, an investment that began after an injury ended his time with the St. Louis Rams. His first major acting role was in HBO's "Ballers," where he navigated the pressures of living up to his father's illustrious legacy.

Notable Quote:

"This project, the play specifically, I knew on the other side of this, I'm gonna find out about myself. And I did have these real conversations with myself and my publicist that if this. If I fall, I don't know if I can get back up from this."
—John David Washington (18:21)

He elaborates on the supportive role Samuel L. Jackson played in his development, offering critical feedback and encouragement that affirmed his performance techniques.

Notable Quote:

"He was very influential in my encouragement of I'm on the right track."
—John David Washington (09:02)

The brothers also reflect on experiences working with esteemed directors like Spike Lee and Christopher Nolan, where spontaneous creativity and trust in their instincts led to memorable on-screen moments.

Notable Quote:

"I got a laugh and I would have lived with that. I can go to my grave knowing I made Christopher Nolan laugh in a line that I contributed to, you know, and he did it a couple more times."
—John David Washington (26:20)

Handling Fame and Public Attention

As sons of the iconic Denzel Washington, both Malcolm and John David discuss the challenges and strategies of managing public attention and maintaining personal privacy. They emphasize the importance of focusing on their craft and preserving their peace amidst fame.

Notable Quote:

"They just highlight, like, keeping the noise outside. And I think that heat and desire that you're speaking of can be that noise, you know, And I think that we all just live very kind of meaningful, private lives."
—Malcolm Washington (43:19)

John David adds that their parents' guidance taught them to value hard work and integrity over public acclaim, fostering a grounded approach to their careers.

Notable Quote:

"It's like it's them taking us to school. It's my dad coaching us. Like we were living somewhat of, I think a normal life because that's the environment they set."
—John David Washington (43:43)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the Washington family's dedication to honoring their mother's legacy and the importance of diverse voices in the ongoing adaptation of August Wilson's plays. Malcolm expresses hope for continued varied interpretations of Wilson's work, ensuring a rich tapestry of Black artistry in cinema.

Notable Quote:

"I hope that for the rest of them, they continue to get varied voices from different backgrounds and different kind of points of view and let this whole thing be a much larger kind of project where you look back and it's this tapestry of black artists working in this time, connecting to this seminal text."
—Malcolm Washington (46:58)

John David Washington and Malcolm Washington conclude the interview by acknowledging the profound impact of their family's artistic legacy on their individual and collective journeys, reaffirming their commitment to storytelling that resonates with authenticity and cultural significance.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Preservation: The Washington brothers prioritize maintaining and celebrating Black history and culture through their adaptation of "The Piano Lesson."

• Collaborative Excellence: Working alongside industry veterans like Samuel L. Jackson has been instrumental in shaping their performances and directorial approaches.

• Personal Legacy: Growing up in a household led by Denzel and Pauletta Washington has deeply influenced their artistic sensibilities and commitment to meaningful storytelling.

• Navigating Fame: They emphasize the importance of balancing public recognition with personal privacy, focusing on their craft to drive their success.

This episode of Fresh Air offers a profound exploration of family legacy, cultural storytelling, and the intricate dynamics of navigating the entertainment industry, all through the lens of two accomplished artists continuing their family's esteemed legacy.