Brokeback Mountain tells the story of Ennis and Jack, two men thrown together as sheep herders in Wyoming in 1963 who begin a sexual relationship that develops into an overwhelming emotional connection. This memorable tale of how the unexpected and potentially dangerous passion between the two men persists in a rough world, filled of privations. Adapting Proulx’s classic for the stage is quite the challenge. Neither main characters are what you could describe as talkative types.
Mike Faist, best known for playing Riff in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and originated the role of ‘Connor Murphy’ in the theatre smash Dear Evan Hansen, plays the more worldly Jack, while Lucas Hedges, who earned an Academy Award Nomination as Best Supporting actor for his role in Manchester By The Sea, takes on the role of the more taciturn Ennis. “You ain’t much of a talker” is Jack’s first interaction with Ennis and the beginning of the very gradual evolving of their relationship. “We’re not going to spend this summer in that mountain in silence”. There is a subtle breadcrumb trail from Jack showing Ennis the scars on his torso to a discussion on the power of a bull bucking hard.
With Ennis’ sardonic line to Jack, “You sure are crazy”, Hedge’s begins to soften his character’s body language. After they swap roles looking after the sheep, when Ennis returns he announces “I’m going to wash everything I can reach”, it is like he is subtly reciprocating a physical exposure for Jack’s benefit. The momentum towards an intimacy continues as the two men joke warmly with each other. When Jack plays a mouth organ, Ennis unexpectedly sings along before quipping “Your harmonica sounds funny” only to be met with Jack’s wry riposte, “What’s your voice’s excuse?”
Director Jonathan Butterell paces these scenes so well, there is an underlying inevitability from what is unsaid in the interplay between the two, that when they physically express their passion – the sex is glimpsed as silhouettes on the sides of the tent – it feels explosive and momentous.