Death of a Salesman Review: Still Relevant, Still Brilliant in Melbourne

Arthur Miller's 1949 Pulitzer Prize-winning tragedy 'Death of a Salesman', directed by Neil Armfield, is currently playing at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne until 22 August 2026, following a national tour in 2023. The production stars Tony Award-winning Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia as Willy Loman and Helpmann Award-winning Alison Whyte as Linda Loman, with Josh Helman as Biff and Ben O'Toole as Happy. The review, written by Kate Mulqueen, praises the production's continued relevance, highlighting its critique of the American Dream, capitalism, patriarchy, and toxic masculinity. The staging features Greek tragedy-inspired bleachers, a large screen projecting black and white footage, and music composed by Alan John. LaPaglia's portrayal of the aging salesman is noted for its physicality, while Whyte brings emotional depth to Linda. The review emphasizes the play's prescient warnings about endless growth and the limits of free-market capitalism, and its resonance with modern audiences. The production is described as focused and confident, leaving no doubt of the play's continuing relevance more than 75 years after its premiere.