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It has been a century since the Alpine Club of Canada brought a young Conrad Kain to the Rockies to guide at their 1909 summer climbing camp, but Kain’s name still echoes off these peaks like one of his famous yodels. The Austrian-born mountaineer enjoyed a remarkable 30 year career that continues to inspire generations of climbers.
Now his story comes to life in a new play by Parks Canada’s theatre troupe, Mountain WIT.
The play traces Kain’s journey from an impoverished childhood in Austria to his most famous accomplishment: the first ascent of Mount Robson.
“As far as I can take you” - the Life of Conrad Kain is crafted from Kain’s personal letters. Recently translated from the original German text, these letters have never been made public until now.
“These were his honest thoughts, the way he wrote them to a dear friend back in Austria,” says playwright and Mountain WIT founding member Laurie Schwartz, “Kain had such a wonderful way with words, even though he claimed to be poorly educated. You can sense his passion for climbing, forwilderness, for beauty. Those are the things that still make people passionate about our Mountain National Parks today.”
The play also reveals Kain’s experience as a new immigrant to Canada.
“He was frustrated at first that his English was not good enough to express himself fully,” notes Schwartz, “Kain was brimming with stories and he had such an outgoing personality.”
Actor Phillip Nugent, embodies that gregarious quick wit on stage in his remarkable solo performance. Nugent wowed an audience of about 500 at the Kain cairn unveiling in Wilmer, BC in July.
“It was like he was channelling Kain,” one of the crowd remarked.
This is the second production from Parks Canada’s Mountain WIT to celebrate a major figure from the Alpine Club of Canada’s early days. “We take these stories from archives, from dusty old letters, and the theatre lets them breathe and sing again,” says Schwartz. “As far as I can take you” - the Life of Conrad Kain plays at the McKim Theatre, Kimberley, at 7pm on Tuesday, November 3. Admission by donation at the door. All proceeds go to supporting Outdoor and Environmental Education in Kimberley.
