An exploration of identity, masculinity, and happiness.
“Close Enough to Touch,” written by Henry Roberts and performed by Ross Barbour, is a witty, gritty, and beautifully honest account of one man’s struggle with his sexuality as he attempts to wrangle the two conflicting aspects of his life.
After a painfully awkward and unsuccessful job interview, one of many for our protagonist (Barbour), the audience dives right in via a crash course on one of his “hobbies”: cruising in public toilets, mostly in train stations and the underground. It’s everywhere if you know where to look for it. A man stands in the same urinal for 20 minutes, someone washing his hands for the third time, looking around at the other occupants of a place most wish to exit with haste. Once two have spotted each other, the exchange goes on with little preamble, and often nary a word is said between the two. Our protagonist seems to be an old hand at this now, but he explains that this wasn’t always the case, and besides, it’s just a hobby for him, not a lifestyle. He’s not gay. He’s got a long-term girlfriend, Steph, whom he loves. He does.
As the piece progresses, we unravel more and more of his life and experience all manner of emotions, such as fear, embarrassment, and joy, as his life becomes increasingly untenable until finally, he achieves some form of catharsis. Although it is unclear whether or not he has come to accept the part of himself, he has tried to hide from himself and the rest of the world for so long.
Roberts’ writing is poetic, witty, and engaging, and Barbour’s performance only adds to the “magic.” It had such an incredible flow and energy that one did not realise the time was passing. The minimal set, sound, and lighting design were also advantages, as they only highlighted Barbour’s brilliant performance.
“Close Enough to Touch” is a raw, empathetic, and intelligent piece on the challenges we still face with the ambiguity of our sexuality and the added complexity regarding our relationship to masculinity. I didn’t want it to end; I wanted more.