Danielle Deadwyler on Artistic Growth, ‘The Piano Lesson’ & Her Potential West End Debut

Danielle Deadwyler’s performance in The Piano Lesson is far more than a career milestone; it’s a deeply personal and transformative experience she describes as an exploration of “artistic love.” Collaborating with director Malcom Washington and his talented brother, John David Washington, Deadwyler found herself immersed in a space of creative freedom that allowed her to connect not only with her co-stars but also with the rich history embedded in the story. The Washington brothers, who guided her through the emotional terrain of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, helped create an environment where she felt like part of the family. For Deadwyler, it was an artistic journey she’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Having already earned widespread acclaim for her powerful portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley in Till, Deadwyler brings the same depth of emotional engagement to the role of Berniece in The Piano Lesson. The film, adapted from Wilson’s iconic play, is centered around the dramatic conflict between two siblings—Berniece and Boy Willie (played by John David Washington)—as they grapple with what to do with a family heirloom: a haunted piano that holds the legacy of their ancestors’ sacrifices. The piano, more than just an instrument, represents the pain, joy, and triumph of generations past.

“The piano is haunted,” Deadwyler explains, “and it belongs in the family.” The idea of legacy, history, and the spirits of the past that continue to shape the present is a driving force in The Piano Lesson, and it’s a theme Deadwyler is deeply connected to. She believes that as human beings, we are all vessels for these untold stories, and if we choose to engage, we can channel these lessons through our work. The actor sees herself as part of a larger continuum, where art becomes a way to engage with the past and honor the lives that came before us.

Deadwyler’s approach to the role of Berniece is one of quiet strength and fierce determination, which mirrors the character’s protective stance over the piano—a symbol of the family’s bloodline and history. As she shares, “It was a rigorous yet loving process,” speaking of the deep camaraderie she felt working alongside the Washington family. In fact, she describes her experience on set as something rare and invaluable: “Six weeks on set felt like a lifetime in the best possible way.” This sense of mutual respect and connection infused the film with a unique energy, one that Deadwyler believes transcended the usual filmmaking process.

The film’s themes of family, heritage, and unresolved trauma have left a lasting impact on Deadwyler. “The true reckoning begins when the ghosts and specters of the families wake up the characters, not allowing them to sleep any longer,” she explains, emphasizing the cyclical nature of trauma and healing that runs through The Piano Lesson.

Exploring New Horizons: The West End and Beyond

As The Piano Lesson heads to select theaters in November and to Netflix, Deadwyler is already thinking about her next artistic adventure. While her film career continues to flourish, she has long had an interest in theater—and not just any theater, but the rich, vibrant world of the West End.

“I’d love to be in the West End,” Deadwyler confesses with palpable excitement. “There’s a certain kind of energy that comes with performing in front of an audience every night, and I’m excited to experience that.”

The actress has a deep-rooted love for live performance, and her work in theater has already allowed her to explore different facets of her artistic self. From her previous stage performances to her experimental work in street art, Deadwyler is not one to shy away from pushing boundaries in her craft. She believes that performing live in front of an audience allows her to tap into something more immediate, visceral, and transformative.

“I think there’s a magic to it,” she says of live theater. “You get to experience the story unfolding right in front of you, and you can feel the energy exchange between the actors and the audience. There’s nothing like it.”

Deadwyler is also keenly aware of the power of stories to change lives, and she sees her work as part of a larger conversation about history and personal growth. She’s particularly drawn to roles that delve into the complexities of identity, legacy, and family dynamics, as seen in The Piano Lesson. “I believe in growth, in all of its forms,” Deadwyler reflects, “and stories are the best way to understand how we grow, how we evolve.”

A Personal Connection to History and Family

Deadwyler’s deep respect for history, especially Black American history, is evident in much of her work. In The Piano Lesson, this respect is palpable, as the film grapples with generational trauma, familial obligations, and the ghosts of the past that continue to haunt the present. Deadwyler brings a profound authenticity to her portrayal of Berniece, someone who must confront both her ancestors’ legacy and her own emotional journey.

“My family is everything to me,” she shares, noting how her upbringing shaped the way she approaches her work. Deadwyler credits her parents and grandparents, who live near where part of The Piano Lesson was filmed in Georgia, for instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility to her craft and the world around her. “It’s in the DNA of the movie,” she says, referring to the influence of her own family’s history, which is woven into the fabric of the film.

Her connection to her family and her Southern roots is a constant thread in her life, one that influences both her personal and professional choices. Deadwyler’s love for the land, the rich red earth of Georgia, and the sense of peace she feels in nature are all things she actively embraces. “I walk with my ancestors,” she explains, “I like to be out in nature, and I talk to the deer. They’re my buddies.”

Future Projects and Growing Legacy

While The Piano Lesson marks another highlight in Deadwyler’s already impressive career, it’s far from the last. Following the film, she has been busy working on other exciting projects, including the post-apocalyptic drama Forty Acres and the psychological thriller The Woman in the Yard, which she also executive produced. She’s also involved in the highly anticipated film Otis & Zelma, in which she will portray Zelma Redding, wife of music legend Otis Redding.

“I’m excited to be part of these projects,” Deadwyler says, “especially Otis & Zelma, because it’s a beautiful story about a woman who carried and continues to carry her husband’s legacy. I’m honored to bring her to life.”

Deadwyler’s ability to move seamlessly between genres and projects, whether it’s film, television, or performance art, speaks to her versatility and dedication to telling meaningful, impactful stories. And while she continues to rise in Hollywood, Deadwyler’s heart remains rooted in the deeper conversations about legacy, family, and the responsibility of telling stories that matter.

As for her future in the West End, Deadwyler is hopeful but not in a rush. She’s in a space where she’s taking her time to choose projects that resonate with her deeply. With her passion for performance, connection, and artistic exploration, it seems clear that her journey has only just begun.