No matter if you're a long-time lover of theatre or looking to try something new in the Year of the Pig, the cliff-hanging story told in Touching the Void is sure to move you
Every year, we wait with bated breath for the line-up at HKAF, and Hong Kong Arts Festival 2019 does not disappoint. From world music to interactive dance displays, this year’s range of shows has a little something for everyone, and if you’re a fan of theatre, then you will definitely want to grab some tickets for Touching the Void ASAP.
Tell me more about Touching the Void at HKAF
Okay. So, this theatre production is actually a stage-adaptation of Joe Simpson’s best-selling book of the same name, which also happens to be an autobiographic account of one of his mountaineering summits. Co-directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris (co-director of War Horse) and David Greig (The Suppliant Women and Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre), this Fuel, Bristol Old Vic, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, and Royal & Derngate Northampton co-production has received rave reviews from some of the world’s toughest critics, including The Times and The Guardian – now that’s impressive.
What’s the story about?
Well, we don’t want to give too much away, but the plot centres around two men who are attempting a dangerous Andean mountain ascent, while climbing on the same rope. Amid appalling weather, disaster strikes, meaning that for any chance of survival one must cut the other free. Woven in-between the core storyline are different characters and moments of consciousness that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
With a nail-biting plot such as this coupled with the fact that these events actually took place, it’s easy to see why the movie version won BAFTA’s Best British Film 2004 and why The Guardian has referred to this production as: “The greatest mountaineering story ever told.” In fact, audiences and critics across the globe are praising everything from the acting to the writing of this contemporary production.
Do I need to read the book or see the movie before I go?
The cool thing about theatre is that there are no rules. If you’ve read the book, that’s great; if not – no problem. Just grab a group of friends and head over to Central to see this unique and captivating show, which will be performed in English with Chinese subtitles (so that everyone can enjoy.)
P.S. We hear that the creative direction for this show is really something, so see you there!
Touching the Void, 21 Feb-2 March, Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong. Tickets available at Urbtix.
This post is sponsored by Hong Kong Arts Festival
