S2E15 - In the Spotlight with The Piano Lesson

About this episode

This episode features a discussion about August Wilson's The Piano Lesson with playwright James Ijames and actor Akeem Davis.

The 2026 PA Shakespeare Festival's Summer Theatre Series means weekly drops As You Mic It: In the Spotlight! PSF welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and director James Ijames and actor Akeem Davis for a conversation about August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson , the production opening the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s 2026 season. Host Connie Behringer explores the power of Wilson’s work, the joy in this presentation, and the questions that continue to make The Piano Lesson resonate with audiences today. James reflects on his approach to directing the play, its place within Wilson’s Century Cycle, and the balance between honoring a celebrated text and discovering something new within it. Akeem shares his experience stepping into the world of the Charles family, the challenges and rewards of the role, and what makes this story such a vital piece of American theatre. Together, they discuss memory, legacy, family, and the ways the past continues to shape the choices we make in the present. Whether you are preparing to see the production or revisiting Wilson’s masterpiece, this episode offers a closer look at the artists bringing The Piano Lesson to life at PSF. Hosted by…

People in this episode

Host: Connie Behringer

Guests: James Ijames, Akeem Davis

Topics covered

• theatre
• playwriting
• American theatre
• family legacy
• directing
• Pulitzer Prize

Keywords

• The Piano Lesson
• August Wilson
• James Ijames
• Akeem Davis
• Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
• theatre production
• family
• legacy
• memory

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Books & works: The Piano Lesson

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