Simon Stone, a director known for his work in theatre and film, has discussed his career trajectory and current projects. Stone, 41, divides his time between London and various international productions. He was based in Vienna for eight years before relocating to London three years ago. His background includes parents in science: his late father, Stuart, was a biochemist and molecular biologist, and his mother, Eleanor Mackie, is a veterinary scientist turned teacher. Stone was born in Basel, Switzerland, and grew up bilingual in German and English, spending part of his youth in Cambridge.
Current and Upcoming Projects
Stone's recent and future engagements include:
- The opening of his play Das Ferienhaus (The Holiday Home).
- The September premiere of his third feature film, the Netflix production The Woman in Cabin 10.
- A recent staging of his adaptation of Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea, featuring Oscar winner Alicia Vikander.
- Scheduled to begin shooting Elsinore in January, starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, focusing on actor Ian Charleson's portrayal of Hamlet.
- Set to premiere an adaptation of Chekhov’s Ivanov in July, starring Chris Pine.
- Returning to Australia in February to direct his adaptation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard at the Adelaide Festival. This production will be staged entirely in Korean with subtitles, having premiered in Seoul in 2024. Cannes best actress winner Jeon Do-yeon and Emmy-nominated Park Hae-soo are in the main roles.
Artistic Approach and Influences
Stone's father died at age 45 from a heart attack in 1996, which Stone states influenced his interest in art. He typically writes plays in English, often adapting classic texts. As a director, he frequently employs transparent enclosures or glass walls on stage for actors, a technique first seen in his 2011 production of The Wild Duck at Sydney’s Belvoir St theatre. This approach was subsequently used in his 2015 feature debut The Daughter, his 2016 adaptation of Lorca’s Yerma (which earned Olivier awards), and his opera Innocence.
Stone describes this directorial method as a means of examining human behavior and addressing actors' tendencies for exhibitionism by constructing a "fourth wall." He notes that actors' inability to directly perceive audience reactions through the glass can enhance comedic timing.
International Perspective
Stone has observed differences in cultural engagement with theatre. He noted that Australia, with its extensive recreational opportunities, may view theatre as a secondary activity. He has found Europe to be more aligned with his artistic practice, describing its audiences as deeply engaged with culture. Stone has expressed a strong interest in Korean culture, initiating the production of The Cherry Orchard in Korean. He stated that the production's reception, including audience laughter at jokes he originally wrote in English, was a significant professional achievement.
Personal Life
Stone resides in London with his wife, Austrian dramaturg Stefanie Hackl, whom he married eight years ago. Their three-year-old daughter is growing up bilingual, with German being the primary language spoken at home. Stone can recognize Korean words despite not knowing the grammar, attributing this to his role in writing the English script for The Cherry Orchard.