Fabien T. Moody
Kevin D. Ferguson
World Dramatic Literature
October 16, 2015
The Piano Lesson by August Wilson August Wilson an American playwright was born April 27, 1945, Pittsburgh, Pa. Wilson was bought into a world of confusion and immigration. He lived with his single mother and five siblings; his father was mostly absent from his childhood. They moved a lot when Wilson was a young boy. The family moved from the Hill District to a white working-class neighborhood of Hazelwood. They encountered a lot racial hostility in their new home. The family was forced out the neighborhood and on to the next home. In 1959, Wilson was the only African-American student at the Central Catholic High School. At school, he encountered threats and abuse. …show more content…
This was the fourth play in Wilson’s The Pittsburgh Cycle. This play had a lot to do with ones sense of self-worth by denying ones past. This play featured a strong African-American female character to confront black culture and history. The book “The Dramatic Vision of August Wilson”, by Shannon, Sharon G. on p. 146 it said The Piano Lesson finally seems to ask is: "What do you do with your legacy, and how do you best put it to use?" The theme of this play was captures though each characters. Wilson has developed amazing dynamics with the character traits. His success flourished because of his choice of …show more content…
During the time, you did not see many powerful woman leads, especially black woman. August Wilson made a brave choice in this play. Berniece must represent women of power. She should gracefully stand her ground though out the play. As director, Berniece would have to also show a softer side, more likeable and not intimidating. The moment when Boy Willie finally tries to take the piano, the stakes are high and Berniece is not backing down. She will pull a gun on Boy Willie and the audience will be at the front of their sets. In the final scene the ghost of Sutter returns struggling with Boy Willie. Berniece conquers her fears and resume her old role as priestess. The family’s ancestors will come to assist in the exorcism. When the play ends Berniece will crack out of her shell and reclaim her self and
Kevin D. Ferguson
World Dramatic Literature
October 16, 2015
The Piano Lesson by August Wilson August Wilson an American playwright was born April 27, 1945, Pittsburgh, Pa. Wilson was bought into a world of confusion and immigration. He lived with his single mother and five siblings; his father was mostly absent from his childhood. They moved a lot when Wilson was a young boy. The family moved from the Hill District to a white working-class neighborhood of Hazelwood. They encountered a lot racial hostility in their new home. The family was forced out the neighborhood and on to the next home. In 1959, Wilson was the only African-American student at the Central Catholic High School. At school, he encountered threats and abuse. …show more content…
This was the fourth play in Wilson’s The Pittsburgh Cycle. This play had a lot to do with ones sense of self-worth by denying ones past. This play featured a strong African-American female character to confront black culture and history. The book “The Dramatic Vision of August Wilson”, by Shannon, Sharon G. on p. 146 it said The Piano Lesson finally seems to ask is: "What do you do with your legacy, and how do you best put it to use?" The theme of this play was captures though each characters. Wilson has developed amazing dynamics with the character traits. His success flourished because of his choice of …show more content…
During the time, you did not see many powerful woman leads, especially black woman. August Wilson made a brave choice in this play. Berniece must represent women of power. She should gracefully stand her ground though out the play. As director, Berniece would have to also show a softer side, more likeable and not intimidating. The moment when Boy Willie finally tries to take the piano, the stakes are high and Berniece is not backing down. She will pull a gun on Boy Willie and the audience will be at the front of their sets. In the final scene the ghost of Sutter returns struggling with Boy Willie. Berniece conquers her fears and resume her old role as priestess. The family’s ancestors will come to assist in the exorcism. When the play ends Berniece will crack out of her shell and reclaim her self and