Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative is a powerful play that delivers a gripping portrayal of strained familial bonds, the search for self and the road to healing.
The play's protagonists are Matt, a long-haul trucker, and his father, Clarence. They're both scarred with anger and regret but manifest it differently. Matt's journey, initially fueled by his need for freedom, ironically leads to the confines of his truck and flaws. Meanwhile, Clarence's life remains stagnant and lonely haunted by the loss of the love he rejected. The play skillfully captures their parallel struggles and the vast divide between them.
As the play unfolds, we learn that Clarence does not want Matt to become a truck driver. Clarence had different aspirations for him. This decision drives a wedge between them, leading to a tense relationship. Matt develops a gambling addiction, which further causes him to spiral. He decides to see a therapist to try to mend and understand how he got to this point.
Grabbing the Hammer Lane offers vibrant character depiction and emotional depth in its narrative. The performance is riveting, with Proctor seamlessly transitioning between Matt's and Clarence's perspectives. This duality underscores their stark differences and uncanny similarities. The script's intense dialogues elicit a visceral reaction and preview of the characters' inner worlds. The play uses humor to break up the heavier moments. The use of humor is organically woven in to emphasize the characters' struggles further while making them more relatable.
Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative is not just a story about a trucker and his estranged father; it explores universal themes, the consequences of our choices, and the enduring hope for reconciliation. It is a must-see for those who appreciate deeply moving, character-driven dramas that leave a lasting impact
"Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative"
Written and Performed by David M. Proctor
Co-Directors: David M. Proctor and Marlon Burnley
April 11, 2024
The 16th United Solo Festival
March 4 – April 28, 2024
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
Yani Perez, M.F.A, is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States such as La Mama and Yale University as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences.