The intensity of familial bonds are on full display—both in front of and behind the camera—in Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s searing play. Produced by his father Denzel, and starring his brother John David with the critical participation of his sister Olivia and mother Pauletta, Washington’s film uses the strength of his family tree to anchor a multigenerational story of memory, trauma, and progress. Featuring standout performances from Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, and Samuel L. Jackson, this tale of the battle over a prized heirloom piano and the ghosts it unleashes joins Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom among the compelling August Wilson visions brought to cinematic light by the Washingtons.
The Piano Lesson. 2024. USA. Directed by Malcolm Washington. With Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler. DCP courtesy Netflix. 125 min.
Tickets
$10 Hammer members | $20 general admission
Current members, check your email for your link to buy tickets, or contact membership@hammer.ucla.edu. Not a member? Become one today for 50% off tickets!
ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM?
Ticketing: Limit 2 tickets per customer. Your seat(s) will be assigned to you when you pick up your ticket(s) at the box office. Box office opens at 6:30 p.m. Seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis. No late seating; any unclaimed tickets will be released at 7:20 p.m. No refunds and no exchanges. Post-screening guests are subject to change.
Member Benefit: Subject to availability, Hammer Members can choose their preferred seats. Members receive priority ticketing until 15 minutes before the program. Learn more about membership.
Parking: Valet parking is available on Lindbrook Drive for $15 cash only. Self-parking is available under the museum. Rates are $8 for the first three hours with museum validation, and $3 for each additional 20 minutes, with a $22 daily maximum. There is an $8 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
Press: If you are a member of the press and are interested in attending and covering the program, please email the Hammer’s Senior PR Manager, Santiago Pazos, at spazos@hammer.ucla.edu for accommodations.
