Danielle Deadwyler on August Wilson and Denzel Washington
The New Yorker Radio Hour
Deep Dive
Why did Denzel Washington commit to adapting all ten of August Wilson's Century Cycle plays?
Washington aims to preserve and share Wilson's profound exploration of Black life in America through film.
What themes are central to 'The Piano Lesson'?
The play delves into inheritance, history, and the conflict between maintaining tradition and seeking new opportunities.
How does Danielle Deadwyler interpret the piano in 'The Piano Lesson'?
She sees it as a living, breathing altar and a portal that represents the family's history and identity.
What role does Zora Neale Hurston play in Danielle Deadwyler's interpretation of Bernice?
Hurston serves as an inspiration for Bernice, embodying a bold, free spirit that Bernice aspires to.
How does Danielle Deadwyler describe the passing of history in Black communities?
History is passed orally, through music, movement, work, and daily practices, often subconsciously.
What is Danielle Deadwyler's impression of the Washington family's relationship to art?
She views them as a collective spirit, continuously making art and passing on histories through their work and interactions.
How does 'The Piano Lesson' reflect on inheritance and the work of prior generations?
The film explores inheriting not just physical objects but also the lives and histories of ancestors, and the ongoing impact of their creations.
- Bernice is a widow and mother to young Maritha.
- She is awakened by her brother Boy Willie, who wants to sell the piano.
- Bernice views the piano as a representation of her family's identity and history.
Shownotes Transcript
丹妮尔·迪德怀勒因在电影《提尔》中饰演艾米特·提尔的母亲而受到关注，她主演了一部名为《钢琴课》的新电影——这是奥古斯特·威尔逊的世纪系列剧作之一，讲述的是匹兹堡黑人生活的故事。丹泽尔·华盛顿致力于改编和制作威尔逊全部十部世纪系列剧作；《钢琴课》由他的儿子马尔科姆执导，另一个儿子约翰·大卫担任联合主演。迪德怀勒饰演伯尼斯，一个寡妇，在她迁居匹兹堡北部后一直保留着家族钢琴；她的兄弟留在密西西比州，想把它卖掉以购买一块土地。继承和历史的主题是兄弟姐妹冲突的核心。“历史在我们一起做事的时候传承下来……通过奋斗、通过快乐、通过做爱、通过挑战，”迪德怀勒向《纽约客》的多琳·圣菲利克斯解释道。《钢琴课》正在部分影院上映，并将于11月22日起在Netflix上线。 </context>