The highly anticipated stage adaptation of Touching the Void premiered on October 8 at Tokyo’s New National Theatre and will run until November 4 before moving to Osaka’s Umeda Arts Theater. Directed by Tom Morris, who also helmed the original UK production, the play is based on Joe Simpson’s 1988 memoir detailing his and Simon Yates’ harrowing ascent and near-fatal descent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes.
Scottish playwright and director David Greig adapted this gripping narrative for the stage in 2018. Originally performed at the Bristol Old Vic under the direction of then-artistic director Morris, the play received rave reviews and sold-out performances, despite its minimalist set. Audiences found themselves transported to the treacherous, snow-covered peaks, experiencing the climbers’ agony and resilience as if they were on the mountain themselves.
Now, Japanese audiences will get their first taste of this acclaimed production, with Morris himself directing the Japanese cast. The stark and simple set design will challenge actors to convey the intense psychological and physical struggles faced by the mountaineers, bringing a raw and immersive theatrical experience to life.
“What I want to know is why you went. The reason you started climbing cliffs and mountains. I don’t understand. Why?“
Upon hearing that “Joe (Yoshinori Masakado) is dead,” his sister Sarah (Kotone Furukawa) mourns his death and gathers with Simon (Toru Tanaka), Richard (Yosuke Asari), and his climbing companions.
In 1985, in the Peruvian Andes, the formidable Siula Grande stands at about 6,400 meters. Young British mountaineers Joe and Simon succeeded in ascending the nearly vertical west face via a previously unexplored route. However, on their descent, Joe broke his leg and fell into a crevasse, hanging in midair. Joe couldn’t climb the rope, and Simon couldn’t pull him up, the cliff was too high for Simpson to be lowered down, and they could not communicate. Both were facing death. Awaiting them after their remarkable achievement was a confrontation with nature and an intense struggle filled with agony and hardship…
Before the opening night, the cast shared their thoughts at a press conference. Ae! group’s Masakado Yoshinori, who plays the lead role of Joe Simpson, expressed a mix of excitement and nerves, saying, “The moment is finally here, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience the energy we’ve poured into this production. There’s so much physicality involved, and for just four actors, we have an immense amount of work to do.” His co-star, Tanaka Toru, who plays Simon Yates, echoed the sentiment, adding, “Rehearsals have been incredibly intense. The play pushes the boundaries of what you’d expect to see on stage, and I’m eager to see how the audience reacts.“
Masakado, who has previously worked with international plays but not with foreign directors, is known for his diverse roles in film and TV, such as his role in “Sen, Shoku” and “Vincent in Brixton.” His extensive experience and dynamic performances in “THE GREATEST SHOW-NEN” are set to bring passion to this challenging role.
Reflecting on his role, Masakado shared his initial reaction to being cast, “I was overjoyed. The story of Touching the Void is legendary, and I felt both excited and challenged to take on such a complex character.” He continued, “Before starting rehearsals, I wasn’t very familiar with alpine climbing, so I spent a lot of time learning about it, and every day has been a new discovery.“
Tanaka also reflected on the intensity of the story, saying, “What draws me to this production is the raw humanity in Joe and Simon’s relationship. It’s not just a survival story; it’s about the deep psychological struggle and the decisions we make when faced with life-or-death situations.” He further added that the bond between the characters and the physical demands of the role made the rehearsals a unique experience.
Morris, known for his work on War Horse, shared his enthusiasm for bringing the production to Japan. “Working with this talented cast has been incredible. There’s a lot of trust and camaraderie built in the rehearsal room. We’ve crafted a thrilling, visually stunning piece of theater, and the Japanese audience can expect a show that’s not only gripping but also filled with moments of humor and heart.“
The unique set design also plays a pivotal role in the production. The mountainous landscape is recreated using a skeletal framework draped with white paper to simulate snow.
Throughout the play, Masakado and Tanaka navigate this structure with agility, evoking the perilous climb of Siula Grande. Asari Yosuke, who plays Richard, the climber left waiting at base camp, mentioned how the set, affectionately nicknamed “Andy” by the cast after the Andes mountains, became a character of its own. “The set is incredibly dynamic, allowing us to interact with it in ways I’ve never experienced before in theater. The realism it brings to the production enhances our performances and helps immerse the audience in the story,” Asari said.
In response to a question about how he prepared physically for the role, Masakado spoke about the physical preparation for the role, revealing that the cast trained rigorously with Pilates and HIIT sessions to build the necessary strength for the demanding scenes. “It’s been a transformative experience,” he said, “not just in terms of acting but also in how we’ve had to condition our bodies. Climbing ‘Andy’ day after day has made us stronger and more connected to the characters.“
He also worked out at the gym on his own. Asari commented on Masakado’s growing physique, saying, “Your shoulders and back seem to be getting bigger by the day. Toru’s arms are also looking more muscular.”
Morris agreed, sharing, “For Yoshi (Masakado) and Toru (Tanaka), this production is like the Olympics. Both of them are getting physically stronger, and by the intermission, they’re drenched in sweat,” to which Masakado wiped the sweat from his forehead while smiling. He’s known for his tendency to sweat a lot and easily, so even just a small climb leaves him soaked, but it’s one of his charms!
Finally, Masakado expressed his gratitude for reaching this point, saying, “I’m so happy we’ve made it here safely. The most important thing is that everyone—audience, staff, and us—enjoys the experience. I want to build each performance carefully, one at a time. Since the play is based on a novel and has been adapted into film, there are many fans. I believe there’s a special significance to performing it live on stage, as it’s a story that delivers its impact fully when experienced in person. I hope everyone comes to feel it live.“
The play captures the essence of Touching the Void, balancing moments of tension with emotional depth. Furukawa Kotone, who plays Joe’s sister Sarah, noted the emotional layers of the production, saying, “There are scenes where I wish I could sit in the audience and watch, just to see how everything comes together. The blend of storytelling, physicality, and emotion makes this play something truly special.“
In the production of Touching the Void, several moments captivated the audience, showcasing the cast’s strong performances and chemistry.
One particularly heartwarming scene occurs when Joe and Simon plan their ascent of Siula Grande while sharing a beer. As Simon unfolds the map, Joe’s eyes sparkle with excitement, illustrating his genuine passion for climbing. This moment highlights Masakado’s ability to convey emotion, drawing the audience deeper into Joe’s character with subtle gestures and facial expressions.
Joe’s intense focus was evident as he rubbed his forehead, clasped his hands, and examined the map with clear fascination—another subtle but telling detail of his character’s love for climbing.
Additionally, Masakado’s interactions with the map further showcase his character’s depth. How he handles the map and carries himself shows the skills he has nurtured throughout the years as an actor. This attention to detail, combined with his thoughtful expression while considering the climbing route, enriches the audience’s experience, making Joe’s journey all the more compelling.
In addition to the climbing scenes, another touching moment occurs when Joe asks his sister, Sarah, for help while descending. Their relationship is very sweet, especially as he pleads for support. Masakado’s portrayal of Joe’s vulnerability and determination highlights his qualities as a younger brother, creating a protective feeling among the audience.
The connection between Joe and Simon is clear during their trip preparations. Their playful teasing shows they work well together, and reflects Simon’s youthful energy, especially when Joe wants to leave some snacks behind, but Simon insists on keeping them.
An endearing moment saw Joe, with some struggle, extracting his sleeping bag from his pack. Once settled, he clutched it close, evoking a sense of humanity within the harsh environment.
Small details, like Masakado’s left arm subtly swaying in tandem with the sound effects of the wind, enhanced the realism, evoking the image of a man grappling with the mountain’s harsh conditions. His physicality and expressions created a chilling sense of Joe’s vulnerability.
The production skillfully explored themes of life and mortality, amplified by sound design that punctuated moments of extreme tension. Joe’s leg-breaking moment was accompanied by the sharp crack of a breaking chair, while his desperate attempts to climb were underscored by the heavy thud of an ice axe hitting the ground, resonating deeply with the audience.
Masakado’s subtle nuances continue to impress, particularly when he skillfully returns a carabiner to his harness without looking. His ability to handle the carabiner with gloves adds realism to his portrayal of a man captivated by the mountains, and the naturalness of the action adds to the attention to detail Masakado has put in to build himself as Joe.
During its Tokyo finale, the show left a lasting impression. Despite the emotionally intense narrative, Masakado’s portrayal of Joe continued to captivate, showing notable growth with each performance. The entire cast and crew’s dedication to completing every Tokyo show was met with heartfelt gratitude from the audience, as they presented a thoroughly memorable production.
At the curtain call, Masakado placed his hand over his heart in gratitude, offering a quiet gesture of thanks to the audience. He also took a moment to applaud each of his fellow cast members individually—a gesture reflective of his sincere character and a touching contrast to his intense portrayal of Joe.
In an update following the performance, Masakado reflected on the gloves he wore through the challenging Tokyo run, a personal acknowledgment of the intensity he brought to each show.
Another striking scene is when Sarah’s character, in a desperate attempt to keep Joe tethered to life, forcefully strikes his left chest, where his heart is. The intensity of her plea to save him was palpable, and yet, Joe, captivated by the mountains, responded with a simple, “Why?“
These moments contribute to a powerful portrayal of the characters’ struggles, relationships, and the essence of adventure in Touching the Void.
Behind the intense story and emotional performance from the cast, a message is hidden. Always forgotten behind what happened during the descent is the fact that they climbed to the top. Their achievement of reaching the summit will always be shadowed by the decision made by Simon to cut the rope and let Joe fall. The reason why Joe is so enthralled by the mountains and climbing is maybe something that nobody but he and other climbers will ever understand. When touching the void, always choose to climb.
As Touching the Void continued its run, the cast hoped that the audience would be captivated not only by the spectacle but also by the human resilience at the heart of the story. “It’s a play that makes you reflect on the strength of the human spirit, and I think that’s something that will resonate with everyone,” Masakado concluded.
Watching Masakado fully embodying Joe Simpson on stage, while the play also invited deep reflection on life itself—whether we climb or not—was a unique experience like no other. Experiencing his performance during Touching the Void was unforgettable, and there’s no telling how far he’ll climb.