A play about climbing mountains might seem strange to some, but to actor and explorer Jane Arnfield, Geneva is a unique chance to share her life-long passion for adventure and exploration of the unknown. Considered one of the biggest dangers and last major hurdles before climbers reach the top of Everest, the Geneva Spur is an anvil-shaped rock marking 24,000ft, responsible for one of the steepest ascents that the natural world bares host to. It was here, during a trip marking the 50th anniversary of the conquering of the mountain, where Arnfield interviewed a series of climbers, resulting in more questions being raised than answers found - if we don't take risks how do we explore, if we don't explore how do we test commitment, and if we don't test our commitment how do we know the strength of our investment? Geneva was written in an attempt to answer some of these questions, and through her eagle-eyed observations of the human character, Arnfield successfully manages to strike a balance between natural needs and physical desires. This bond between humans and nature is a concept drawn on heavily throughout the production, concluding with what is essentially a love story, based around (quite literally) the highs and lows that are faced when setting out on a monumental adventure, and the series of emotional stages every explorer is said to face on their quest to the summit. Feelings of anger and depression, acceptance and denial are portrayed through a minimalist narrative, aided by powerful video imagery and symbolic scenery representing the many changing guises of a mountain. What at first appears to be a straightforward lecture describing Arnfield's childhood mountaineering expeditions, soon transforms into a tangible theatrical production, exploring how a species which seems utterly pointless and unchanging can gain a sense of purpose and meaning when placed next to nature at its most extreme. Essential yet skillfully subtle direction comes courtesy of Manchester-based Richard Gregory, who has previously worked in the region on the highly acclaimed, surreal and thought-provoking installation piece, Frank. Geneva is compelling and intriguing from start to finish. Geneva, Newcastle Playhouse Until January 17. Ring (0191) 230 5151 | 
