Follows the lives of the Charles family as they deal with themes of family legacy and more, in deciding what to do with an heirloom, the family piano.

Follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. The play focuses on the arguments between a brother and a sister who have different ideas on what to do with the piano. The brother, Boy Willie, is a sharecropper who wants to sell the piano to buy the land (Sutter's land) where his ancestors toiled as slaves. The sister, Berniece, remains emphatic about keeping the piano, which shows the carved faces of their great-grandfather's wife and son during the days of their enslavement.

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the play centers around the Charles family and their heirloom piano, adorned with carvings by an enslaved ancestor. The piano becomes a symbol of both their history and aspirations, sparking conflict between siblings Berniece and Boy Willie. Berniece cherishes the piano as a sacred connection to their ancestors, while Boy Willie views it as a valuable asset to secure their future. Through their clashing perspectives, the play delves into the complexities of the past and the present, ultimately highlighting the importance of honoring one's heritage while forging a new path forward.