Touching the Void (play)
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| Touching the Void | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | David Greig |
| Date premiered | 18 September 2018 |
| Place premiered | Bristol Old Vic |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | Survival |
| Setting | 1985, Peruvian Andes |
Touching the Void is a play written by David Greig, based on the book of the same name by Joe Simpson. It made its world premiere at the Bristol Old Vic in September 2018, before embarking on a short UK and international tour. The play centres on the true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, climb of the 6,344-metre west face of the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes[1] in 1985.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
Touching the Void has been adapted for the stage by David Greig,[8] based on the 1988 book of the same name by Joe Simpson.[9] The book was previously adapted into a docudrama survival film in 2003.[10] On 8 November 2017, it was announced the play would receive its world premiere the following year[11] and would begin previews at the Bristol Old Vic on 8 September 2018,[12] with an official opening night on 18 September,[13] booking for a limited period until 6 October.[12] The production marked the reopening of the venue following refurbishment.[14]
The play is directed by the Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic Tom Morris,[15] with movement direction by Sasha Milavic Davies,[16] design by Ti Green,[17] lighting design by Chris Davey[16] and composition and sound design by Jon Nicholls.[18] Following its premiere production Touching the Void embarked on a tour to the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and Royal & Derngate, Northampton with whom it was a coproduction.[19] Following its opening night in Bristol it was announced the play would also tour to Hong Kong City Hall, Hong Kong, Perth Theatre, Perth and Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.[20][21] A typical performance runs two hours and forty minutes, including one interval of 30 mins.[12]
Following completion of the tour Touching the Void transferred to the Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End for a limited run, running from 9 November 2019 until 29 February 2020.[22]
The script of Touching the Void was published by Faber and Faber on 6 September 2018.[23][24]
Following the closure of the theatre due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the play will be revived at the Bristol Old Vic from 26 to 29 May 2021, where performances will be presented live to both a socially distanced audience as well as broadcast online.