Rehearsals for Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s October play, Death of a Salesman, are well and truly underway, with director Judy Taylor and assistant director Belle Sewell confident their cast has what it takes to bring this challenging piece of award-winning theatre to life for East Gippsland audiences.
Written by legendary playwright Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman takes us into the life and half-remembered past of Willy Loman, as he comes to terms with the reality that he is a salesman who can’t make a sale, and will never achieve the level of success he believes he deserves.
His two sons and his wife are inevitably caught in Willy’s web of self-delusion and self-destruction, setting himself and them all on a path to tragedy.
“Death of a Salesman is undeniably an important theatrical work – many critics have described it as the greatest American play of the 20th century,” Judy said.
“The remarkable thing is that today, 75 years after it was first staged, it still resonates with audiences of all ages.
“The 1940s and 50s witnessed a seismic shift in society that’s not very different from the shift being felt today, as the old world is replaced by the digital age, making many people – young and old alike – feel disconnected and no longer relevant.”
“The Willy Loman of 1949 isn’t so different from the social media stars of today,” Belle said.
“Willy presents himself to the world as a success to the point where he has delusions of grandeur, yet struggles behind closed doors.”
“Willy’s tragic story questions whether the much-vaunted American Dream is attainable, or even desirable, urging us to consider the true meaning of success and fulfilment beyond society’s expectations,” Judy said.
Death of a Salesman marks a creative and cultural shift away from the usual light comedy fare offered by Production Line – although it too has its share of gentle and affectionate humour, in spite of the challenging themes. But it’s a challenge that the production team is eager to rise to.
“We’re fortunate to have an amazingly talented cast featuring some familiar faces in the local Gippsland theatre scene, alongside some new and emerging talent, all keen to showcase the depth and complexity of Arthur Miller’s well known and loved characters,” Belle said.
Death of a Salesman will open on Friday, October 18, for a total of six performances over two weekends, concluding on Sunday, October 27.
More information can be found on the Production Line website and Facebook page, as well as the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub website.
