AP Literature Students See "The Piano Lesson" on Broadway

AP Literature students ventured to the Big Apple with Mrs. Babkov and Mr. Owens to experience “The Piano Lesson” on Broadway this weekend.

“The Piano Lesson” is the fourth play in playwright August Wilson’s century cycle and part of the AP Literature curriculum. Students recently concluded their August Wilson author study which explores “The Piano Lesson.” After reading and discussing the original text, students watched a Hallmark version of the film and then took to the city to view it on Broadway to see the different adaptations of Wilson’s work. The current Broadway adaptation stars Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle Brooks. 

“This was an opportunity to see one of his works on the stage, which doesn't happen often,” said Sarah Babkov, AP Literature teacher. “Wilson is known for his gritty realism." His project was “to depict the African-American experience and he focuses on each decade of the 20th century," of which “The Piano Lesson” examines a family in the 1930s that is haunted—literally and metaphorically—by their family history.

Babkov hopes this opportunity not only provides a unique experience for students but also gives them a review for their upcoming AP Literature exam in which students may opt to highlight “The Piano Lesson.”

In addition to seeing the revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, students also took in some of the sights and sounds of the city.
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