The 1949 play, Death of a Salesman, was written by lauded American playwright, Arthur Miller. Miller wrote plays including All My Sons (1947) and The Crucible (1953), and dabbled in screenwriting and radio plays, winning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama for this very play. Death of a Salesman first premiered in 1949 and ran for 742 performances. An incredible 75 years later, Miller’s play lives on, this time in Sydney off the back of a successful Melbourne 2023 season.
The story centres around Willy Loman (Anthony Lapaglia) and his family, including two sons Biff (Josh Helman), Happy (Ben O’Toole) and wife, Linda Loman (Alison Whyte). Willy is a travelling salesman who spends most of his days on the road, away from his family. Willy desires success in his chosen career, however, cannot seem to get ahead. His wife Linda tries to keep everything moving at home and deeply loves and admires her husband, even though he often dismisses her amid conversations with their sons. Biff and Happy grow up blissfully unaware of the struggles of the family and Linda tries to ensure their lives do not head in the same direction as their disintegrating father.
In a move away from the original concept, instead of setting the stage as the Loman family home, the set in this production, is framed by ‘Ebbets Field’ bleachers, where all characters sit, silently watching from various levels of steps and seating. There is also a digital screen behind the massive construction which is perhaps under-utilised. However, the focus here is really on the characters, and hence, the performers.
To bring the story, characters, and relationships, along with over-arching complex themes, to life on stage requires a high level of craft. Each cast member demonstrates this ten-fold. Anthony Lapaglia is absolutely phenomenal. Embodying Willy Loman it is difficult to imagine anyone else in this role. Truly professional and effortless in the portrayal of a character who is full of deceit, and slowly descending into psychosis. Lapaglia is the highest calibre actor and a joy to watch on stage.
Willy’s other half, Linda Loman is played by Alison Whyte. Whyte is a veteran of the stage and brings an incredible moving performance of a woman desperate to keep her family together and moving in a positive direction. Her presence is comforting and offers a perfect stable companionship to Willy. Josh Helman and Ben O’Toole play the two sons, Biff and Happy, who go through their own journeys. Both actors are incredibly talented and deliver plenty of emotion to the stage.
Death of a Salesman addresses several themes, most prominently The American Dream. As pertinently summarised by Director, Neil Armfield AO, “Willy Loman’s America has become Donald Trump’s – the Great Salesman peddling his lies to a lost, fearful, angry people”. As unfortunate as it is, the struggles of Willy Loman are demonstrably timeless, and are as relevant now as they were 75 years ago.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Death of a Salesman is now playing at the Theatre Royal Sydney. The limited season runs until 23 June. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
The reviewer attended the opening night on 22 May, 2024.
