There are very few plays that I have seen that make me wonder about the lives of the people the characters represent – but Alterations is definitely one of them.
Currently on at the Lyttelton Theatre this play, written in the 70s by Michael Abbensetts and developed with additional material by playwright Trish Cooke, tells the story of Guyanese tailor Walker Holt (Arinzé Kene) as he ardently seeks to achieve his dream of owning his own business, after years of feeling downtrodden by living in Britain.
The play tells the story of Guyanese tailor Walker Holt (Arinzé Kene) as he ardently seeks to achieve his dream of owning his own business. (Image: Marc Brenner)
The play is directed by Lynette Linton and features a moving set, with colourful garments and a number of props to recreate the look of a chaotic tailor shop.
The plot centres on Walker’s fixation with being a self-made man, and how this ultimately ends in the downfall of his relationships and connections with those he loves.
The play touches on some important topics around race and segregation, as well as gender roles and expectations, along with more modern day issues surrounding challenges faced by the youth of Britain.
The play has a mix of really comedic moments juxtaposed with more sombre moments, where the characters talk about the challenges they face due to their race.
The dynamic between Walker and his wife Darlene (Cherrelle Skeete) was palpable, and the downfall of their marriage was the central theme which really grounded the play.
Cherrelle’s performance as Darlene was remarkable to watch, as she offered up her heart as a mother wanting her young daughter to have a better life, and wanting love and affection from her absent husband.
But I as a young audience member found myself really resonating with Courtney (Raphel Famotibe) and his discourse with the older characters about the challenges faced by young people.
Hearing Courtney’s speech about the older generation’s assumptions that young people were “lazy” and didn’t want to work made the play feel timeless.
Alterations can certainly be described as realism, as whilst we are sold this idea of a man achieving his dreams, the reality is that in real life often these dreams can come ‘with an extra price’, as Walker himself notes.
Alterations is currently on at the National Theatre until April 5.
