LOS ANGELES — It’s the story of an epic battle against time, exhaustion and encroaching mental and psychological debility.
“Death of a Salesman” is still considered by critics as one of the greatest plays of the 20thCentury.
For Boyle Heights native and actor Vance Valencia who embodies Willy Loman, it’s an honor to play the role that for decades has been very exclusive.
“It’s an indictment of the American Dream,” said Valencia. “The things that I do in this play as a Latino are just magnified by that and I see how the themes in this play affect all of us.”
Set in late 1940s Brooklyn, New York — the two-act tragedy comes to the stage of the newly dedicated Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights.
Valencia’s deep understanding of Boyle Heights and his own experience of growing up there infuses his performance as the patriarch of the Loman’s.
“There is a sense that we need to do better than others in order to arrive at the same plateau,” said Valencia. “Mexican Americans, along with other minorities in this country, face that same challenge.”
Opposite of Valencia is actress Christine Avila, who plays Linda Loman, Willie’s wife.
“Latino culture is the family,” said Avila. “This is certainly about the family. It’s a certain archetype, but it’s universal.”
For Vargas, this is a story she knows well. It’s the story of her immigrant family. A story that director Corky Dominguez says still applies to contemporary societal issues, especially post-pandemic.
“The play itself isn’t necessarily Latino,” said Dominguez. “The themes are relevant to an connect to us in who we are.”
“Death of a Salesman” not only speaks to the sacrificial human desire for success but also to the challenges of modern-day American workers.
It’s the story of the unsingable heart song that the ordinary man feels but never utters, a story that has joined the ages.
“I can understand as a minority that we are faced with trying to accomplish something,” said Valencia. “Trying to be special, trying to be recognized, trying to make it to the top of the heap and we all do that.”