Death of a Salesman

Death of a Salesman

Theater Mitu

at BAM Fisher

July 14, 2017

 

Justin Nestor as Willie Loman
Photo courtesy of Theater Mitu

Theater Mitu’s production of Death of a Salesman is presently running at BAM Fisher in downtown Brooklyn.  Artistic Director Ruben Polendo bestows this American classic with great depth due to his distinctive interpretation.  He uses masks, inanimate character representation, music, and bold variation in pace, tone, and style to magnify the truths in Arthur Miller’s writing.  The production is visually stunning, collaboratively conceived, and emotionally impactful.

The story follows the downfall of Willie Loman (played by Justin Nestor) as he reaches the end of his career as a traveling salesman.  His wife Linda (played by Kayla Asbell) stands by him and believes in him.  His sons Happy (played by Denis Butkus) and Biff (played by Corey Sullivan) grew up idolizing him, yet find it hard to support him as the realities of their lives become increasingly difficult to hide behind.

Kayla Asbell & Justin Nestor
Photo courtesy of Theater Mitu

Justin Nestor and Kayla Asbell are truly captivating as Willie and Linda Loman.  They are in sync throughout the two acts.  Their vigor is exuberant in scenes from the earlier, optimistic years of their characters’ lives.  Their physicality and vocal expression transition to illustrate the toll life has taken on them, succinctly expressing their overwhelming weariness.  Corey Sullivan brings a wide range to his interpretation to Biff.  His solid physical exterior is strongly juxtaposed by his fragile emotional interior.  Each shift in his demeanor is clearly motivated and justified in the text.  The football shoulder pads he carries with him are a powerful image for his character.  Denis Butkus uses remarkable vocal capacity in his interpretation of Happy.  His character is physically represented by a punching bag, which has a duality that plays effectively throughout the action of the play.  Puppetry by Attilio Rigotti and Xiao Quan bring numerous objects and lighting instruments to life representing all the supporting roles in the play.  The visual images are potent and riveting, and surprisingly evoke a strong emotional response.  This is the genius of this production.  Along with an original music by Ellen Reid and Ada Westfall, you are transported deep within your own psyche and filled up with Arthur Miller’s timeless message.  

Photo courtesy of Theater Mitu

This is the first Theater Mitu production I have experienced, and I am hooked.  Theater Mitu focuses on devising new collaborations as well as interpreting classic pieces.  Check out this company if you seek experimental interpretations that challenge your preconceived notions of traditional texts and theatre as an art form.  Death of a Salesman runs at BAM Fisher through July 23.

Domenick Danza