‘Crux’ is a Toronto Play About Indoor Climbing Culture

Crux is a new play about indoor rock climbing culture created by Greg Borris.

Crux will be playing in Toronto this summer from June 29 to July 10 in Boulderz Climbing Centre at Junction Triangle as part of the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival.

“Crux is an immersive, interactive, site-specific show, where the audience will actually get to climb with the actors/performers in Boulderz,” said Borris.

There is a cast of eight professional actors (who are also avid climbers) and audience members will have the choice to follow whichever character they want in a choose-your-own-adventure style play.

Borris is a recent grad from Sheridan with a degree in Musical Theatre Performance and has been a climber for over a decade. “Crux is the amalgamation of two of my great loves,” said Borris.

“While not a musical, Crux does explore the obvious link between dance and climbing, especially dynamic bouldering problems as well as the dramatic aspects of bouldering.”

Borris has worked at the Junction Climbing Centre in London and has travelled to Squamish and Utah on climbing trips.

“I have collected a series of unbelievable stories and met some of climbing’s colourful characters. I have been surprised by the number of actors I’ve met in the climbing community,” said Borris. “Crux is a reflection of our community and a chance to tell our stories.”

Part of the development process included travelling to every climbing gym in Southwestern Ontario to collect more stories from real climbers.

“Many of these stories will be included in the show,” said Borris, “giving us a change to celebrate the culture of Ontario climbers and share it with theatre goers.

“Hopefully Crux will be entertaining and educational, demystifying the sport we all love and train avidly for.”