Beautifully Harrowing
Arthur Miller’s classic 1949 play Death of a Salesman has been one of my favourites since I studied it at A level, so when I got the chance to review Trafalgar Theatre Productions and Raw Material’s production at The Lowry, I jumped at it. I was worried my high expectations and love for the play text might leave me disappointed, but I needn’t have been. This production is incredible.
Death of a Salesman is a difficult play to stage, but director Andy Arnold did it well. Time blurs throughout the play, with the past and present overlapping to reflect Willy Loman’s mental state and this was handed with finesse and sophistication. Present day was marked by a harsh, cold blue light that heightened the bareness of the wooden stage and the stark tree backdrop. The past was flooded by warmer tones, transforming the same tree into something more hopeful and alive. Rory Beaton’s lighting design paired with Neil Hayne’s minimalist set design reflected and signposted the emotional shifts of the narrative beautifully. As the play progressed into the second act and Willy’s confusion deepened, the distinction between past and present grew more chaotic, yet never confusing, showing a thoughtful and sensitive direction.
The cast was outstanding. Daniel Cahill and Michael Wallace as Biff and Happy Loman bounced between children and adults with skill, comedy and most of all chemistry. This chemistry extended to the entirety of the Loman family and the scenes between the four of them, grounded by Beth Marshall’s strength as Linda, were so moving and heartbreaking. One of my favourite things about Miller’s writing is the nuanced complexity of his characters as there are never any true heroes or villains and the actors embraced this fully. David Hayman’s Willy Loman was portrayed beautifully with a perfect balance of insecurity, delusion and vulnerability. His exhaustion was palpable, particularly in the opening scene where he mutters to himself off to the side even when he isn’t directly in the scene. It was subtle, effective, and deeply affecting. I also need to note that the Brooklyn accents were impressively consistent, especially considering the Scottish cast.
The play is, at its heart, a tragedy. If you’re concerned that you may be affected by difficult themes, I would definitely recommend looking up the trigger warnings beforehand. It is a deeply human story of an average family whose dreams and expectations ultimately lead to their downfall. The play captures the terrible unravelling of a man whilst simultaneously offering a sharp commentary on the realities of the American Dream, which still resonates today.
Ultimately this was a stunning production of an incredible text. It is astute, human and so heartbreakingly relevant I was in tears by the end. I would recommend it to anyone.