The new production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN opened at the New Theatre in Cardiff last night and there was much excitement in the audience. The reviews have been superb and DAVID HAYMAN has garnered much praise for his role as Willy Loman.
Arthur Miller’s play is without doubt a classic and one studied by many of us in our later school years. Often described as the Hamlet of American literature it perfectly captures Willy’s mental frailty as we follow his final 24 hours. Although it’s 75 years since the play was first staged it’s a story as relevant now as it ever was.
First of all here’s what some of last nights audience thought of the production. You’ll also hear David Hayman, who spoke to us at the end of the show about SPIRIT AID, a charity he founded in 2001. They work across the world to reach children in need. They currently have operations running in Scotland, Palestine, Afghanistan and Malawi.
Willy is a 63-year-old salesman whose life and legacy are crushed by the American Dream. The characters we meet all have the same economic struggles as we do today. There are some real heartbreaking moments, but, as we travel back through Willy’s life, there are happier times too. From his positive days with a young family and all the hopes and aspirations that American Dream could bring.
It’s the jump between the ever hopeful Willy and a man who feels all hope has gone that we see his mental collapse.
It’s sometimes hard to feel sympathy for Willy, in fact you’re likely to get annoyed with him as he continually pursues this ‘dream’. He’s also as stubborn a man as you’ll find anywhere, refusing help at every offering. Yet, there are moments when you begin to feel moved by his predicament, and as we approach the end of his life (no spoilers here, it’s in the title), you can’t help but feel his is a life thrown away in the pursuit of money and success.
Although the play relies on a powerful lead, which we have with David Hayman, the whole cast are superb in their respective roles. BETH MARSHALL as his wife Linda in many ways is the rock of the whole piece. Despite Willy’s cruel behaviour towards his kind and loving wife there are times when she is rock solid in the defence of her husband, especially towards their son Biff (DANIEL CAHILL) and Happy (MICHAEL WALLACE).
There are some really strong moments between mother, father and the sons and give us some of the best scenes during the show. Daniel also gives a show-stopping performance as he attempts to plead with his dad and tell his own truth in what is an incredibly powerful final scene.
The set and lighting is relatively simple but effective. We travel through all the locations with a movement of table and chairs, and of course the thing theatre uses best, our imagination. The music which takes us through these transitions, is performed live on stage by various actor-musicians in the company.
It’s easy to see why the show has won 13 Tony Awards since it’s Broadway premiere in 1949 including Best Play as well as Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Over the years there have been some real big-hitters appearing on stage, including Andrew Garfield and Philip Seymour Hoffman. What we have on stage in Cardiff however, is as good a cast and production as you’ll see anywhere.
The play runs for 2 hours 55 minutes (including the interval) and although it’s long, it will hold you for the whole time.
Watching Death of a Salesman now did feel different to when I was younger, but with so many students in the audience, it’s clear this story impacts all ages. I would encourage you to grab a ticket while you can. This production proves why this is arguably the best American play of the twentieth century..
We’re sure David will talk again about the charity but try and stay till the very end as he tells a lovely story which brought a huge round of applause last night. We definitely don’t want to spoil that one.
DEATH OF A SALESMAN is at the New Theatre in Cardiff through to Saturday 5th. Performances are at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee tomorrow (Wednesday) and Saturday. For more details and tickets go HERE.
