Denzel Washington on Watching Son Malcolm Direct ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Which August Wilson Adaptation Is Next and Why ‘Gladiator’ Is a ‘Hard Act to Follow’
variety.comClayton Davis Senior Awards Editor Denzel Washington is proud of his children. Why wouldn’t he be? His youngest son, Malcolm Washington, just premiered his directorial debut with an adaptation of August Wilson’s play, “The Piano Lesson,” which he co-wrote with Virgil Williams.
In addition, the film stars his Denzel’s eldest son, John David Washington, with his sister Katia serving as executive producer and Malcolm’s twin sister Olivia, also having a role in the movie.
Washington has been designated the custodian of Wilson’s legacy by Constanza Romero, and with it, he has an overall deal with Netflix to produce all of Wilson’s 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as “The Century Cycle.” Set across several decades of the 20th century, it chronicles the experience and heritage of the African American community.
His longtime producing partner, Todd Black, has collaborated with him for years on various projects, including the first three Wilson adaptations: “Fences” (2016), “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020), and now “The Piano Lesson.” “Fences” earned Black his first Oscar nom for best picture, alongside Washington, who became the first Black person in history to be nominated for producing and acting in the same year. “The Piano Lesson,” which also stars Samuel L.
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