Production Blog
Exclusive Death of a Salesman Video Interviews
Posted By Alex Birnie '10
Posted By Alex Birnie '10
Watch a video interview with director Justin Emeka, Avery Brooks and associate director Caroline Jackson Smith.
Check out the entire interview online! Click to watch individual chapters
Meet Justin and Avery, and hear about the ideas behind their multiethnic interpretation of Arthur Miller's classic play. Avery Brooks discusses his career in the theater, from playing roles in King Lear and Othello to founding Psuekay, an African American theater troupe he built during his time at Oberlin. Why Oberlin? Justin and Avery discuss their experiences as Oberlin students and alumni; their work with current students in this production; and how this production came to be at Oberlin. How does the role of Willy Loman change when played by an African American actor? How does any actor approach a role that has become some iconic? Justin, Avery, and Caroline discuss the experience of African American salesmen in the 40's and 50's and the way, in this production, the actors' cultural backgrounds impact their performances. Avery discusses his approach to the role of Willy Loman and the other major roles he has played, from Malcolm X to Paul Robeson to Hawk to a Star Trek captain. Theater, Brooks says, is where all artistic genres meet, the place of ideas. Avery discusses his future projects, not just acting, but also directing "La Boheme" next spring, set in Harlem. He also discusses his television experiences, on "Spencer for Hire" and "Star Trek," in more depth. Avery and Justin conclude their conversation with a discussion of one the play's most central themes: the relationships between fathers and sons. How does culture impact this aspect of the show?
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