August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson' is brought to the Joburg Theatre by a South African cast and crew.
The play delves deeply into the intricate relationship between history, identity, and cultural heritage as well as family lineage. It explores the lives of siblings Boy Willie and Berniece against the backdrop of the Great Depression in Pittsburgh's thriving Hill District.
They argue over different opinions of their family's ancestral piano, which is intricately carved with pictures from their past. Berniece regards the piano as a priceless artifact that has to be kept intact as a memorial to their ancestors who endured slavery, while Boy Willie sees it as a tool for achieving financial independence.
The rivalry between the siblings captures larger themes in African American history, including the difficulty of balancing hopes for the future with the suffering of the past. Embodying the weight of legacy and the promise of redemption, the piano itself takes on significant symbolic meaning in relation to their family's journey and the legacy of slavery.
This play offers both amusement and a profound, contemplative experience. It is especially recommended for individuals 12 years and older who enjoy rich narratives that combine history, family drama, and mystical elements.
