Powerful performances pack a punch
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Arthur Miller’s classic play The Death of A Salesman has opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre for a strictly limited run until 15 October. Starring Golden Globe and Tony winning Australian star Anthony LaPaglia, this production of the play, directed by Neil Armfield, is exclusive only to Melbourne.
LaPaglia gives a powerful performance as Willy Loman – the delusional, beaten-down salesman (who, on a modern interpretation, may be displaying early signs of dementia) who keeps trying to pin his hopes and dreams that are ever increasingly slipping from his grasp on his two adult sons, Biff and Happy.
Frequently dubbed “the greatest play of the 20th century’, Miller’s wrote Salesman in 1949, and its story focussing on deteriorating family dynamics, the lie of the “American Dream” and the pressures of capitalism are just as poignant today as they were 70+ years ago.
Willy Loman was inspired by Miller’s own uncle, Manny Newman, and the way he would present his own sons competitively: being well-liked, athletic and successful in business were the three traits that meant the most to Uncle Manny – to the detriment of his relationships with his wider family.
LaPaglia is supported by a stellar cast including Alison Whyte (Good Guys, Bad Guys; Seachange) as Willy’s wife Linda, Josh Helman (Jack Reacher, Animal Kingdom) as the disappointment Biff, Sean Keenan (Lockie Leonard, Glitch) as the philandering bum Happy and Steve Bastoni (Police Rescue, Wentworth) as Willy’s benevolent neighbour, Charley.
The play packs a brutal punch at the end – even if you can see it coming, it’s still quite a shock. The night I attended, the cast were given a standing ovation. This is one you don’t want to miss.
Tickets here.
