Black Swan State Theatre Company presents Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prizewinning play ‘Death of a Salesman’ this month. Ben O’Toole, who garnered acclaim in last years’ ‘Guy Gets Girl’ takes on the role of Willy Loman’s son Happy, under the direction of Adam Mitchell.
How are rehearsals going? Rehearsals are going great, we’re getting into solid runs now, and it’s getting closer and clearer every time. Working with Adam is great, it’s a really great environment to be playing in, and with the cast he’s assembled it’s been fantastic.
You play Harold ‘Happy’ Loman, what makes you happy? Laughter makes me happy. A character like Happy Loman is always trying to make the most of every situation, being optimistic and having a Plan B every step of the way… He really lives in the moment, and I try to do that as much as I can too. What makes me happiest though is spending time with family and it ends with a few drinks.
Have you ever had a job as a salesman? Haha, I still do! I work in a call centre selling wine… It’s hilarious, there’s a real strategy to it, and funnily enough nowadays personality isn’t as important as it used to be, but it certainly helps. It helps with the character of Happy, and gives me more of an insight into this cut throat selling world the Loman’s are a part of.
Which role are you dying to perform in the future? There are lots I want to play, but I won’t be this age for ever, so the most important roles I’d like to play are the ones I won’t be able to play in ten years, due to my age. So someone like Benjamin Braddock from The Graduate would be right up there.
Death of a Salesman is at the Heath Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre from May 4 – 25. Tickets available here.
