This August, the Traverse is joining forces with Playwrights' Studio, Scotland and the Scottish Society of Playwrights to host a joint anniversary event celebrating three grand birthdays. With the Traverse having just marked its 60th year, The Scottish Society of Playwrights observing its 50th birthday and Playwrights' Studio, Scotland turning the ripe old age of 20 this year, it's the perfect opportunity to come together and recognise playwrights and their centrality to the Scottish theatre landscape.
Playwrights' Studio, Scotland was established in 2004 at the behest of playwrights to provide artistically independent career support to the playwrights of Scotland. Centring the voice and autonomy of playwrights, they support writers of all levels of experience to reach their creative potential by connecting them with peer support, world-class industry excellence, and opportunities for artistic growth.
The Scottish Society of Playwrights (SSP), established in 1973, is a membership organisation representing the interests of professional playwrights in Scotland. It advocates for the strategic support and development of new work, hosting readings, workshops, and panel discussions to celebrate and debate the role of playwriting in Scotland’s cultural landscape, and is currently funding a suite of playwright Fellowships as part of SSP@50.
While all eyes are on Edinburgh this August, we will come together at TravFest24 to amplify not only the work of our respective organisations but also that of the playwrights we have worked with over the years. Taking place on Mon 19 Aug, the event will feature readings of two iconic Scottish plays from the undeniable canon of writing that has been produced in Scotland over the decades, a panel discussing playwriting in Scotland now, its roots and its future, and an opportunity to meet with other likeminded artists.
The event will be followed in the Traverse Bar by the yearly Scottish Society of Playwrights and Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland festival celebration, generously sponsored by Nick Hern Books, the UK’s leading specialist publisher of plays and theatre books.
Linda Crooks, Traverse CEO & Executive Producer said:
"As the home of new work in Scotland, the Traverse is honoured to be joining up with our valued partners Playwrights' Studio, Scotland and The Scottish Society of Playwrights. To be able to bring playwrights together on the world's stage at TravFest24 is an unparalleled opportunity and we look forward to the sharing of stories, looking back on all we've achieved and considering what the future looks like together.
Linda Duncan McLaughlin and Peter Arnott, from The Scottish Society of Playwrights said:
"The SSP is delighted to be celebrating all that playwriting brings to Scotland alongside three such significant birthdays. Many happy returns to all of us!"
Louise Stephens, Creative Director of Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland said’
"It’s an honour for us to be celebrating our birthday with two organisations that have had such a lasting impact on the theatre culture in Scotland and beyond. We’re delighted to help make this space during TravFest24 to celebrate the artistic act of playwriting and some of the many playwrights who set the stage for theatre-making in Scotland to become what it is today."