2023 marks 60 years since the Traverse Theatre was founded, opened its first premises in Edinburgh’s legendary Lawnmarket, and revolutionised theatre not just in Edinburgh, but far beyond.
Over the past six decades, the Traverse has been in a state of constant evolution, and this year our activities celebrate 60 years of continual change, which have helped to keep us at the leading age of performance and societal discourse.
This year we are putting additional focus on our creative engagement activities to develop both upcoming generations of talent, and cultivate future audiences for culture. For whilst life may be more difficult than ever before for many, we know that stories and the communities they build, will endure.
EXPLORE THE FULL SEASON HERE
SEAN AND DARO FLAKE IT 'TIL THEY MAKE IT
In April we will premiere Laurie Motherwell’s new play, Sean and Daro Flake It ‘Til They Make It, which tells the story of Sean and Daro, a couple of likely lads who reckon they’ve got it licked with making a fortune in the ice cream van business. However, they quickly discover that conquering the ice cream business will be anything but a sundae stroll… As the bills, admin and brain freezes build up, the pals are put to the test and their relationship gets frosty. Will they stay solid, or melt under the pressure?
Directed by Birds of Paradise’s Artistic Director, Robert Softley Gale, Sean and Daro Flake It ‘Til They Make It, draws from landmark Traverse productions Midsummer and Passing Places, to tell a contemporary story of hustle, friendship and Flakes in Glasgow.
CLASS ACT ON TOUR
We are excited to announce the expansion of our renowned Class Act programme to four more areas across the country. Working with schools in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire, professional playwrights and creatives will turn pupils around Scotland into theatremakers, developing their own works for the stage.
Participants’ scripts will then be publicly performed by a cast of professional actors in one of our partner venues: Aberdeen Performing Arts, Aberdeen Arts Centre and Ayr Gaiety.
Schools in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire are able to apply to participate in Class Act On Tour from today. To apply please contact jennifer.galt@traverse.co.uk
A showcase of scripts from Class Act On Tour, as well as those from Edinburgh participants from Craigroyston Community High School, Craigmount High School, Trinity Academy, Tynecastle High School and Intercultural Youth Scotland, will be brought to life by a team of professional theatre-makers including directors, actors, filmmakers and musicians at the Traverse on Wed 15 and Thu 16 March.
Class Act On Tour is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Backstage Trust, the William Syson Foundation, The Craignish Trust, David & June Gordon Memorial Trust, the John Thaw Foundation, Aberdeen City Council: Creative Funding, The Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust and The Nancie Massey Charitable Trust.
A PLAY, A PIE AND A PINT
This season, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór is full of musicals, comedies and contemporary dramas that encourage you to perceive the world in fresh and exciting ways.
From a dystopia where women no longer exist to a raucous musical inspired by Glasgow’s White Hats gang, there is something for everyone this season at PPP.
Take a look below at what’s on and coming up soon!
NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS
We are delighted to welcome Helen Forsyth as Chair of the Traverse Board, following Sir John Elvidge’s departure after eight years in the position.
Helen has over 40 years’ experience across a range of independent and public agencies providing care, housing, and support to many groups of people including those in housing need, refugees, those experiencing dementia and mental health problems.
We are also very pleased that Zakia Moulaoui Guery,founder of Invisible Cities, and writer May Sumbwanyambe join as new Trustees.
Continuing Trustees are consultant Morag Ballantyne; Chief Operating Officer of Canongate Books, Kate Gibb; writer Kieran Hurley; Chief Executive of HOME and Director of Culture for Manchester City Council, Dave Moutrey; Sixteen Films Producer Rebecca O’Brien; Partner at Blackadders Donna Reynolds Co-Artistic Director of Manchester Royal Exchange, Bryony Shanahan; and Development Director Christopher Wynn.
EXPLORE THE FULL SEASON HERE