Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

AlfroSolo Theatre Company presents the San Francisco premiere of the award-winning one-man show “Walkin’ Talkin’ Bill Hawkins, In Search of My Father,” written and performed by W. Allen Taylor, from Feb. 14 to March 2, 2008. Photo credit: Averie D. Cohen

Most families have secrets or skeletons in the closet. Some families have important connections to history. Yet, how many of us dare to expose the being of our existence to the public? And while doing so, enlighten the audience about aspects of American history?

W. Allen Taylor dares to bring forth his story about his estranged legendary father, Bill Hawkins. Hawkins became the first African American disc jockey in Ohio. Taylor only learned of his father’s identity after Hawkins died.

Taylor performs his one show “Walkin’ Talkin’ Bill Hawkins…In Search of My Father” for the first time in San Francisco. He has received acclaim for his show at the Cleveland Playhouse. His performance is endearing and bold. It’s one thing for an actor to portray another person, but Taylor brings forward his own story.

I can try to review this production without personal attachments involved. Honestly, it will be hard to do so. I can not help applaud Taylor’s attempt to describe a childhood with an absentee father. I relate to his humor and pain. I admire his efforts to deal with the truth. My own inner child could not help to cheer Taylor.

Taylor begins by imitating his father’s radio personality. Hawkins, a popular radio disc jockey, had created a style that influenced other disc jockeys at the time. It was at that time when the term “rock and roll” first appeared. Hawkin’s wit and charisma made him a success. His show was broadcast from the front window of his Cleveland record shop. He interviewed legends like Dinah Washington. Taylor only learned of his father’s career when he graduated college. Oddly, Taylor became a popular disc jockey during his years at Ohio State University.

Taylor enchants the audience with his heartfelt imitations of his uncles, mother, and other characters of his childhood. He layers nice nuances upon each character. He draws truth from their personalities. He acts out their meaningful objectives in life rather than playing for comic relief. He plays himself as a four year old, and later, a teenager. He appears to be having fun, therefore lending joy to the audience.

When he speaks to his father, he appears in sunglasses and hat. He speaks the radio “jive” which Hawkins had developed as his trademark. Often, he remarks “what do you think of that Daddy-O?” He slices right to the raw disappointment and bitterness. He appears to be mocking his father’s success as a celebrity, and yet not being successful as a parent. He holds back on using too much anger. He addresses that pain with the same playfulness by which he also paints the sweetness of childhood.

The show begins with James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World.” It fittingly suits the story of Hawkins. The rest of the music corresponds to a specific time in Taylor’s life. From Thelonious Monk to Al Green, the music was upbeat and lively. It celebrated the great masters of jazz and rhythm and blues. I wish that the show had an available soundtrack CD.

Walter Holden’s lighting design followed Taylor’s story. There were moments when the lighting greatly accentuated the drama. Likewise, the sound technician perfectly timed every sound cue.

I only wish that the props were placed more inventively on stage. Taylor had to step back occassionally to obtain a prop from a table off to the side. It often broke the pace. I kept imagining a bookshelf or toy chest on stage. The props could be more creatively woven into the story.

Taylor, as a performer, has room to become stronger. He obviously has the strength and creativity to tell his story. It is not easy to share family secrets with an audience. His delivery can take a little more time. There are moments where he demonstrates his ability to take the audience on his journey.

The last moment leaves a lasting impression. Taylor performs as his own father during a formal job interview. His last lines are “so, tell me about yourself?” The lighting design highlights this moment by only silhouetting the father’s image behind a desk. We see only a figure of a ghost that Taylor has been chasing all his life. Though real photographs of Hawkins appear on a screen, the missing relationship between father and son remains embellished.

Taylor’s story kicks off the 15th season of AfroSolo Theatre Company. The African American Art and Culture Complex lends an intimate theatre space for their season. I appreciated the free parking and the current art exhibit.

Feb. 14 to March 2, 2008
8 p.m. Thursdays – Pay What You Will
8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays
3 p.m. Sundays
AfroSolo / African American Art & Culture Complex
762 Fulton Street @ Webster, San Francisco
PARKING: Free secured lot onsite.
$15 Students & Seniors – Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
$20 General – Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
All Thursday performances – Pay What You Will
Call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006
415-771-2376
www.afrosolo.org or www.walkintalkin.com