K2 is the world's second tallest peak standing 28,251 feet tall and located in the Karakoram segment of the Himalaya mountain region on the Pakistani and Chinese border. Its proximity to the edge of the world has fascinated world-class mountaineers since it was first attempted in 1902. Many have faced the challenge of K2, which is considered to be the most difficult climb of the world's highest peaks, more dangerous than Mt. Everest because of its remoteness and steepness. K2 has seen far too many climbers fall to their deaths than celebrate the victory of reaching its summit.
In the play "K2," written by Patrick Meyers, two climbers, Taylor and Harold, have set out to achieve their lives' goals of conquering the icy summit of K2. Taylor, an arrogant, womanizing lawyer is all consumed by personal gratification while Harold, a quiet physicist, is a selfless man whose love for his wife and young son is unconditional.
The play begins after the two have summited K2, and on their descent make a mistake that strands them at 27,000 feet with Harold badly injured only 1,250 feet below the summit. A rope has been lost, and the only remaining rope is useless in length and not strong enough to serve as a sling to lower Harold to the next ledge.
As Taylor attempts to climb back up the mountain to recover the other rope, the two men begin a conversation that turns from lighthearted banter to grave affirmation of their loyalty to each other as they struggle to survive.
Actors Chad Smith, who plays Taylor, and Joel Vilinsky, who plays Harold, have spent weeks preparing for their demanding roles by learning to climb and by using climbing gear and ropes under the guidance of set designer Joe Lavigne, a seasoned climber with more than 15 years of experience.
Meyers intended for Taylor to climb a 90-degree face, a physical commitment for any actor who attempts the role.
"What is required is Chad falls and hangs halfway down in the air on stage," said Lavigne. "The climbing element is not heavy-handed. Your emotions are more out like, and I can point out a rookie move. As we go through the play, the demands escalate, and new elements come to light."
Fear of death as well as frostbite, hypothermia and pulmonary edema are all part of the journey Meyers set out to create on stage.
"Things that play a part are the stories you hear," Smith said. "These two know what they are doing and why they are doing it. Death is different for everybody. As an actor approaching a play, it's having the personality that's a different type of fuel."
Director John Glenn found the metaphor of a mountain, overcoming an obstacle, to be the guiding force for the direction of the play in dealing with the apparent mortal issues of life and death. "The play needed to have a metaphor," Glenn said. "The triangle of these two guys and this rope ties everything together. We wanted to have the audience be inside the mountain climbing upstage and disappearing ... It is a challenge to bring to life on the stage."
Lavigne's set includes finished metal to look like ice and includes a trap door opening within the stage to create the sense of steepness beyond the physical stage appearance.
"We talk about it all the time, what is actable and what you are actively going after and acting on that. Why not take the risk—not just about meeting the problem one way?" Vilinsky asked. "It reads as a play and as literature."
Glenn believes that everyone who views this play will take something away.
Smith put it this way.
"It's a mysterious play that reveals itself, and it doesn't have to apologize for anything, and it's funny," he said. "You have to face the challenge."
'K2'
Company of Fools will present "K2" by Patrick Meyers at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey from Feb. 14 through March 4. Show times are Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for reserved seating, $18 for students and 18 and under, and seniors over 62 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Liberty Theatre box office, 110 North Main Street in Hailey from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by phone 578-9122.
Following the performance on Sunday, Feb. 18, there will be a free post show panel discussion, "Why Take Risk," in the theater including panelist Dave Bingham, rock climber and author of the "City of Rocks" guidebook; Greg Wilson, high altitude mountain climber and middle school teacher; Erik Leideker, Heli-Ski guide and co-owner of Sawtooth Mountain guides; and Mark Sheenan, a member of Blaine County Search and Rescue. For more details, visit companyoffools.org.
Chad Smith, who plays Taylor, attempts a climb while an injured Joel Vilinsky, who plays Harold, watches anxiously.
