The Piano Lesson Critique - Essay Example

Simultaneously, through this purchase he deems to acquire his true heritage “the land which enslaved them will be in his possession”. However, Berniece had her reasons for opposing this sale, as the piano is the only piece of heirloom, which they both inherited. The piano was close to her heart because her great-grandparents engraved their history on it, they were traded for it and also their father died over it (74-75, Bogumil). She declines Willie’s idea to sell it because the piano was a reminder of their ancestors and especially of their father. And selling it would mean they would be selling their identity and heritage; this time by themself.

Wilson weaved death and suffering with the piano and the siblings inherited both. Piano reminded them of their loss and deficient identity but also was the only heirloom (though painful) left of the family. Boy Willie and Berniece’s great-grandparents (slaves) engraved their history on it, but since it was not their property (Sutter’s) they were traded over it. Their father died after taking it from Sutter’s residence and piano was the last thing Berniece could relate to. However, she never played on it since it used to make her sad and Willie wanted to sell this heritage because it existed in the life (sacrifice) of his family and has been a reminder of slavery. Wilson has depicted music worth dying for and this is evident in the play.      

I would like to hire Will Smith as Boy Willie and Halle Berry as Berniece because both actors can convincingly transform themself into the assigned characters and can do justice to their characters. If it’s a theatrical play I would like to transform the stage into the 1930 era, when the transition (from slavery to a free nation) was taking place for African Americans. My characters will dress up according to the 1930s dressing criteria and the Piano will be staged in the front corner so its existence can be noticed.

From time to time, I would like the piano to be played by the good ghosts of the ancestors, so to signify its importance for Berniece. I would like to hire Johnny Deep for the role of Sutter’s ghost as he can conveniently act in a supernatural drama. I would like the ghost to be present most of the time like looking down from a balcony to the two fighting and opposing siblings. He will be shown regaining his power through Willie and Berniece's fights and eventually, Willie will try to take the piano out of the house for sale pushing it off the stage.

Johnny Deep (Sutter’s ghost) will come in front of the two (after a strong gust of wind on the stage) and will fight through his powers with Willie. An exorcist will be shown on the stage, who will try to send away the demon, but he will be too powerful to be sent away. Eventually, he will try to kill Willie and right then Berniece will play the piano (to save Willie) and all the good ancestors’ spirits will occupy the stage and fight the Sutter’s ghost away. The last scene can be of Willie’s acceptance of Berniece’s stance on keeping the piano. Halle Berry will be playing the piano merrily instead of contemplating it with pain of remorse memories.