"Grace, or the Art of Climbing," at Denver's Space Theater

The stage of the Denver’s Space Theater has transformed to one of the most creative set designs yet. Steel beams complete with knobs raise and lower to create rock climbing walls central to the play “Grace, or the Art of Climbing.” Playwright Lauren Feldman, envisioned a metaphorical and literal way to tell the story of a woman who turns to her childhood passion of rock-climbing to deal with loss.

At the play’s beginning, actress Julie Jesneck, who plays Emm, reveals she has moved home to Miami after a breakup with her long term boyfriend. Not long after, she encounters a deeper depression after her father suffers a stroke. Harness on tight, Emm takes to the rock climbing walls to reclaim her strength and identity. Though reluctant at first, rock climbing coach, Sims, decides to coach her.

Along the way, people that our closest to Emm make their way on stage to help her find her get back on track, including her two closest friends and her ex-fiancée. Through climbing and working through failed and lost relationships, Emm is able to start to reclaim herself.

Of course, with Colorado’s tight knit rock climbing community, it only makes sense for a play set for the outdoors to bring a feeling of adventure to audiences.

“Grace, or The Art Of Climbing.” Through Feb. 17 at Denver Center’s Space Theatre, 14th and Curtis streets. 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $35-$57, via denvercenter.org  or 303-839-4100.