Simon Stone: A Global Director's Artistic Vision and Upcoming Projects
Simon Stone, the 41-year-old director renowned for his contributions to theatre and film, has shared insights into his career, artistic philosophy, and a diverse portfolio of international projects. Stone balances his life between London, where his family resides, and various global productions, having previously spent eight years based in Vienna. His unique background includes a bilingual upbringing in German and English, with both parents being scientists.
Early Life and Residences
Born in Basel, Switzerland, Stone grew up speaking both German and English, and also spent part of his youth in Cambridge. His late father, Stuart, was a biochemist and molecular biologist, while his mother, Eleanor Mackie, is a veterinary scientist who later became a teacher.
After a decade of international work, Stone relocated to Europe from Australia, establishing residences in both London and Vienna. He currently lives in London with his wife, Austrian dramaturg Stefanie Hackl, whom he married eight years ago. Their three-year-old daughter is being raised bilingually, with German as the primary language spoken at home. The family's Vienna base is conveniently located near extended relatives.
Artistic Vision and Signature Style
Stone has forged an international reputation through his distinctive reinterpretations of classic plays, directing numerous productions across European theaters and festivals. His work frequently involves adapting classic texts, from Seneca to Lorca, to resonate with modern audiences. Themes of trauma and extreme human behavior are often central to his narratives, with women frequently cast as pivotal characters. Stone typically writes his plays in English.
A defining characteristic of his directorial approach is the use of transparent enclosures or glass walls on stage for actors. This technique first appeared in his 2011 production of The Wild Duck at Sydney’s Belvoir St theatre and has since featured in his 2015 feature film debut The Daughter, his 2016 adaptation of Lorca’s Yerma (which garnered Olivier awards), and his opera Innocence.
Stone describes this approach as a means to examine human behavior and to address actors' tendencies for exhibitionism by constructing a "fourth wall," noting that actors' inability to directly perceive audience reactions through the glass can enhance comedic timing.
Stone has indicated that his father's death at age 45 from a heart attack in 1996 significantly influenced his interest in art and the thematic depth of his plays. Early experiences, including being bullied for his accent, also contributed to shaping an adaptable identity.
A Glimpse into Current and Future Endeavors
Stone's upcoming engagements span film, theatre, and opera:
On the Theatre Stage:- The opening of his play Das Ferienhaus (The Holiday Home).
- An adaptation of Chekhov’s Ivanov, starring Chris Pine, is set to premiere at London's Bridge Theatre in July.
- His adaptation of Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea, which recently featured Oscar winner Alicia Vikander.
- He is scheduled to return to Australia in February to direct his adaptation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard at the Adelaide Festival. This production, which premiered in Seoul in 2024, is staged entirely in Korean with subtitles and features Jeon Do-yeon, a Cannes best actress recipient, and Emmy-nominated Park Hae-soo in main roles.
Stone initiated the production in Korean, expressing a strong interest in Korean culture. He noted the production's reception, including audience laughter at jokes he originally wrote in English, as a significant professional achievement.
The adaptation draws parallels between historical Russia and contemporary South Korea, particularly regarding the tension between established wealth and a rising middle class, with the central character Do-young reflecting themes of privilege. Stone, who can recognize some Korean words from writing the English script, has expressed personal concern about the potential challenges of privilege for his own daughter.
- The September premiere of his third feature film, the Netflix production The Woman in Cabin 10.
- He is scheduled to begin shooting his fourth feature film, Elsinore, in January. Starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, the film is based on the true story of actor Ian Charleson and the 1980s gay scene in London.
- His opera Innocence is slated to be presented at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, featuring mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.
International Perspective and Professional Reception
Stone has observed distinct cultural engagements with theatre, noting that while Australia, with its extensive recreational opportunities, may view theatre as a secondary activity, he finds Europe more aligned with his artistic practice, describing its audiences as deeply engaged with culture. Stone has stated that universal themes and humor within his plays translate successfully across different cultures and languages.
Collaborators have characterized Stone's directing style as demanding. Designer Mel Page noted that his process often begins without a script, building trust with the cast through shared stories. Composer Stefan Gregory described Stone's artistic vision as focused on creating conditions that challenge actors and creative personnel. His work has garnered attention for its bold reinterpretations, and his Cherry Orchard production in Seoul notably attracted a young audience. Some critics have also noted instances of verbosity in his productions.