A true story turned documentary turned stage show, proves to be gripping in more ways than one with Touching the Void.
One of the most acclaimed docudramas of all time is 2003’s Touching the Void. The ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ story resonates well with people because it details surviving against the odds. It is based around mountaineers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates who after successfully climbing Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, suffered a near-fatal experience on their descent.
Stemming from Simpson’s 1988 book, the successful production which earned a British Academy Film Award, has now been adapted to the stage by playwright David Greig, who is renowned for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
As Australian theatres finally reopen, the Melbourne Theatre Company is the first outside of the UK to present this unique play, directed by Petra Kalive (The Lifespan of a Fact).
In the roles of Simpson and Yates are Joe Klocek (The Dry) and Karl Richmond (The Lifespan of a Fact) respectively, while Lucy Durack (Wicked!) plays Simpson’s sister Sarah, looking for answers to her missing brother.
Joe Klocek, Karl Richmond and Lucy Durack star in MTC’s Touching The Void
“When I found out MTC was bringing Touching the Void to the stage and I was being considered for the role of Joe Simpson, I was over the moon,” says Klocek.
“I read the book in 2014 and was immediately drawn to the story. I couldn’t believe it was true, as it seemed like such an impossible tale of survival. Joe’s obviously more than a make-believe character and he must have one of the strongest minds known to man. The traumas he faced and overcame on the mountain are at times just unfathomable. I read and reread the play and it was a blessing to have so much online content about mountain climbing and on Joe himself. It’s often daunting to play a real-life person, but it’s more about embodying the mental and physical challenges that he faces, rather than finding a way to imitate the real-life person.”
“It’s often daunting to play a real-life person, but it’s more about embodying the mental and physical challenges.”
Without giving too much away, the crux of the story is a sad twist where Yates had to cut a rope, sending Simpson plummeting into a deep crevasse. Assuming he was dead, Yates continued his descent.
“It’s also a story of mateship and love,” says Klocek.
“It’s about the challenges with making decisions where you put yourself first, in order to survive. The story will make you question your values and what you would do in the face of danger. You don’t have to climb mountains to relate.”
Kevin Hofbauer (Simon) and Lucy Durack (Sarah) in a scene from Touching The Void
For Richmond, taking on the role of fellow climber Simon Yates involved reading up on the German philosopher Heidegger and his concept of Dasein, which involves existential philosophy. The actor even recently hiked the Grampians using a compass which his best friend engraved with ‘Dasien’.
“I’ve also been using my skateboard a lot,” says Richmond.
“It includes focussing on the moment before attempting a trick and the mental effort required to push through multiple mental barriers. I’m petrified of bringing the idea of the show to the audience and I want them to be immersed.
“The pandemic has been a mountain itself and challenged us both mentally and physically.”
“Emulating a cold and frightening mountain on stage in the middle of a Melbourne summer isn’t the easiest,” says Richmond, “but fortunately we’ve got the brilliant design of Andrew Bailey, Kat Chan and our director Petra Kalive making it much simpler than it should be.”
Touching the Void has already earned praise on London’s West End, earning five-star reviews. Its symbolism and drama are just as emotionally effective as any crashing chandelier or flying carpet.
“I’m excited to bring such a physical story to the stage and one that has both spectacle and heart,” says Klocek.
Joe Klocek and Lucy Durack in a scene from Touching The Void
“It’s a story about hope, friendship and overcoming dark days. Mind over matter is also a big theme and something the world relates to now more than ever. The pandemic has been a mountain itself and challenged us both mentally and physically. Touching The Void is a story of hope and survival, basically mirroring the world we live in right now.”
Touching the Void runs 17 Jan – 19 Feb at Melbourne Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
For more: www.mtc.com.au
Joe Klocek and Karl Richmond in a dramatic scene from Touching The Void
