Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer-winning 1949 play has lost none of its potency in the last 75 years. Indeed, in our current terrible moment of economic anxiety, the heaviest weight on Willy Loman’s back – the need to make his mortgage payments even as he’s rendered obsolete – will be familiar to many audience members, although perhaps one step removed. Director Neil Armfield and resident director Therésa Borg anchor this production in the period of the play’s genesis, but the themes remain timeless – beautifully and excruciatingly so. Anthony LaPaglia is our Willy Loman, making his Sydney stage debut at the Theatre Royal in the role that earned him standing ovations when this production debuted in Melbourne. Weighed down by years, responsibilities, and his own bulk, LaPagia’s Loman prowls the stage muttering, half lost in memories, pinning all his hopes on the illusory successes of his adult sons: wastrel womaniser Happy (Ben O’Toole) and former golden boy Biff (Josh Helman), high school football star turned frustrated drifter. Willy’s wife, the long-suffering Linda (Alison Whyte) dutifully dithers around her husband and boys, until she too fractures under the weight of Willy’s unrealised ambitions. LaPaglia makes for an incredibly obstinate and frustratingly obtuse Willy, his crippling insecurities masked by a thick armour cast from bluster and bravado. Yes, it’s all about the American Dream and the failures thereof – but it’s worth noting that the American Dream has always been A
It's no secret that Sydney shines during the summer. But that's not to say that the colder months aren't also packed with good times in the Harbour City. This May, the city is coming alive with the giggly goodness that is Sydney Comedy Festival, where a bunch of very funny talents will be coming together to make our lives a little brighter. Adding to the illumination is Vivid 2024 – the immersive wonderland which will be lighting up the city from May 24. Until then, you can get your luminous fix at Luna Park’s Sonic Neon, or do as the Scandinavians do and heat things up at this stunning coastal sauna.
This month, we’ll also be hitting up this year’s incredible Biennale while we still can, stocking up on local goods at the best markets in the city, and warming up with a Sunday roast as winter sets in.
May the force be with us.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.