'Death of a Salesman'
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from June 2004.
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Superb acting from this talented cast touches the heart in Arthur Miller's production giving viewers a stark check of the everyday struggle people face when trying to live up to being something they are not.
It is also evident through the play that the pursuit of a dream does not come without encountering and making dangerous moral compromises in life.
Peter Kosa does an excellent job in making this obvious when he plays Willy Loman, an aging salesman, who has lost his job because he is over the edge.
Having to live on handouts from his friend Charley (Peter O'Donnell), Willy's lifelong delusions of success and greatness for his family are shattered and he considers suicide. As he reflects on his life and the failed promise of his sons Biff (Malcolm Ellis) and Happy (Dan Morriseau), Willy finally confronts some unpleasant truths about both sons.
Refusing to give up on her failing husband and to recognise some unpleasant facts about the family's predicament, Linda (Sue Howe) tries to assure Willy that things will be all right in the end.
The true tragedy of the play is the gradual decline of the Loman family. Even today, Death of a Salesman, written in 1949, has lessons to learn - people have to have what it takes to stay in the game.
The play also offers an in-depth look at the obstacles people face when trying to attain something that is important to achieve.
Death of a Salesman is most powerful because eventually everyone faces Willy Loman's position; perhaps not because they have failed, but simply because the tides of time go on and society treats people as throw-away commodities.
The play also makes one think about the value society places on things not attainable.
The play shows the struggle of a man with a good heart, who in the end has nothing but his life insurance to show for it. Perhaps after seeing this play it will make viewers realise there is more to life than dreams. The play continues 24-26 June at Prospect Playhouse in Red Bay. Curtain time is 7.30pm. Admission is $15. Call the Cayman Drama Society at 949-5054 for more information.
