By Jacqueline Kelly—

The U of L Theatre Arts Department will present “The Piano Lesson”—August Wilson’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play—Nov. 18 to 22 at The Playhouse Theatre.

Set in the Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows siblings Berniece and Boy Willie, who have moved from Mississippi to Pittsburgh, as they argue about a family piano they have brought to their new home. Boy Willie wants to sell the piano and buy the land where his ancestors were enslaved. Berniece, on the other hand, seems to recognize the value of the piano, as it illustrates carved images of their grandfather’s wife and son.

Baron Kelly, director of U of L’s African American Theatre program, has acted in half of Wilson’s Pittsburgh-cycle in major regional theaters and will be directing the “The Piano Lesson.”

“People can get an introduction to one of the great American playwrights on African American family history and heritage,” Kelly said. “It is essential to gain an understanding of the history of this nation.”

Shows are at 8 p.m. Nov 18-21 and a 3 p.m. showing on Nov 22. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for faculty, alumni, seniors and non-U of L students and $8 for U of L students. To order tickets or for more information, call the box office at (502) 852-6814, or visit Louisville.edu/theatrearts.