Reprising the role once played by Dustin Hoffman, Anthony LaPaglia’s true talent shone through as he took the stage for the production of Arthur Miller’s 1949 published stage play of Death of a Salesman.
Whilst not the usual glitz and glam of stage performances I’ve been to recently, it was certainly an experience that captured my attention.
The play deals with the pressures and life choices stereotypically associated with “travelling salesmen”. As we witness a series of moments, memories and potential delusions, we also see the downfall of the physically aging and mentally deteriorating main character, Willy Lowman.
Struggling with loss of identity, and failing to “succeed”, Lowman clings to the status of being “well-liked”. He also impresses upon his sons that THIS is the success any man is to be measured by. This resonated with me deeply, and it’s something most of my influencer industry friends and colleagues would sheepishly attest to.
Additionally, as outsiders to this particular stage tragedy, we could all see the vast void in such a singular empty status. Fortunately we’re bringing so much more to the enrichment of “life” through the individual and collective purpose we bring to the fore, as we strive for the better enrichment for all, by capturing and sharing our love of life and all it entails. It is certainly a thinking person’s play.
The cast were farewelled with a standing ovation. Minimal words were spoken as the audience departed, as they collected their thoughts. Perhaps we could all relate to the uncomfortable familiarity of the dynamics and current economic status of living to work v’s working to live. We’re all “working 25yrs to pay the mortgage”… but to what end?
Death of a Salesman runs until 25th August. Book your tickets ASAP!
