Adam Silbert 2/6/02
English Review Mrs. Gokturk
Seldom has this critic been so moved by a drama as I was after seeing �Hey little Walter� by Carla Debbie Alleyne which was performed at the intimate Gokturk theatre in the round. Clearly strapped by a lack of funding this hearty group of players did great justice to this tale of urban tragedy that was penned by a High School Senior. Set in a Ghetto Illusion in Brooklyn the audience sat riveted as they watched Little Walter�s sad decline.
With the same sort of structure as the classic, �Catcher in the Rye� the show opens with Little Walter, played with great verve by newcomer Gregory Postyn, setting us up for what will be a theatrical flashback that will reveal Walters odyssey in gripping theatre. Walter is a �good boy� in a tough situation. With a younger brother and sister he tries to help his mother cope with the stresses of single parenthood. Despite the lure of �easy money� to be had by selling drugs like his friend Rakim does he takes comfort in his situation buoyed his girlfriend Nikki�s attention. He has high hopes for a better life but is not sure how to get it. It will not be long before he will have to decide what path to take to achieve some measure of success. His choices profoundly impact himself and his family.
An especially breathtaking scene is set in Washington D.C. when Rakim and Walter who both see drugs as the only way to improve their lives and social status are almost caught. The tension and suspense is almost palatable. The words come to life and the audience is held breathless wondering if the duo will prevail. This scene truly heightens the sense of reality and is expertly played by Josh Borow as Rakim.
The complete metamorphosis of �good kid Walter� to �drug dealer Little Walter� is best portrayed in an alley. In this pivotal scene Little Walter and Rakim are seen in expensive jewelry and clothes. They speak of how the drug money will be used to purchase cars and women and the other trappings of this new lifestyle. The priorities of improving the lives of their families are now relegated to low stature. This is a sad moment as it shows how the choices made with what were �noble� intentions have thoroughly corrupted their lives.
This brilliant piece of theatre will best be received by teenage audiences and adults alike. Its powerful message was written as a cautionary tale by Ms. Alleyne and a success on stage is due in no small part to her personal experience with the subject matter. Kudos go to the entire cast for bringing of the tragic story of Little Walter into our lives.