In 1949, Broadway audiences were introduced to Death of a Salesman, the now-iconic two-act tragedy that quickly made waves in the New York theatre scene. American playwright Arthur Miller gave life to Willy Loman, a travelling salesman whose grip on reality weakens as he relentlessly chases the American Dream.
The play unfolds across “realities, daydreams and fantasies that keep slipping out of his grasp,” says director Daryl Cloran. Spanning the final 24 hours of Willy’s life, Death of a Salesman is tragic by design and stands as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of ambition and materialism.
Cloran brings the classic back to the Citadel Theatre as part of its 60th anniversary season. It’s a full-circle moment for the theatre, which featured Death of a Salesman in its first season. This new production remains faithful to the original script, which, unfortunately, remains relevant today. But according to Cloran, John Ullyatt’s performance as Willy Loman brings a new emotional depth to the story.
Ullyatt’s return to the Citadel carries particular significance: he played Willy’s son, Biff Loman, in the Citadel’s 2011 production — a role that gives him an unusual perspective on the titular salesman.
Visually, Cloran’s production departs from previous versions, which often use a house as the backdrop for the play. Opting instead for a set that mirrors Willy’s unravelling state of mind. Many of the props are mounted on wheels, creating a swirling, unstable environment as scenes shift. “Suddenly (Willy Loman) is in the midst of a scene and it starts to deconstruct around him, and things disappear,” Cloran explains. Though the script remains unchanged, the production offers a strikingly different visual experience.
Cloran’s collaborative directing style also emphasizes the importance of the ensemble. While the story centres on Willy and his wife, Linda (Nadien Chu), the supporting cast plays a vital role in shaping the narrative. This is underscored by Cloran’s decision to place four pianos around the stage, which the ensemble interacts with throughout the show. These details serve as the “heartbeat of the production,” he says.
“I hope it drives audiences toward conversation and that they’re moved by the experiences of the characters,” Cloran adds. He wants viewers to leave the theatre with different opinions about Willy’s choices, sparking debate about whether his final resolution was the right one.
Experience Death of a Salesman at the Citadel Theatre from Jan. 24 to Feb. 15, 2026.
