Death of a Salesman - Biff's Blog: Day 3

posted by Jeremy Holm

January 31, 2008

Our second day at the table, we finished reading the play today with a two-hour block spent with our fight Director David Leong. It was great to keep searching out the play and to ask more questions and really figure out the time sequence in Willy's mind. We still have many questions about the timing of events in the play, but some major ground was covered because questions which we had asked the day before were answered, or at least put into focus. The "fight call' was an exercise called "water on water" very much from the push hands tradition in the martial arts which gives a safe physical context in which to explore violence. I was struck at how useful this was to the physical life and relationship of these characters. Tim and I really found out how these brothers loved and fought, and I think this will inform a lot of how we relate. I was also inspired and impressed by the way in which all of our cast, regardless of sex, body type, or age committed themselves to this work. There is something very fearless in this community of actors. Today was a very good day....I'm sure the hopeless and tough days are coming, but right now I feel very good about where we are. Some words and phrases I am left with.......

The madness of being Willy

The woods are burning

Striving

If ya gotta tell 'em what ya are, ya ain't  -Naomi Jacobson (The Woman)

Dave Singleman was the greatest salesman in the history of the world, Dave Single Man died alone.
Facts and aspects are unimportant.