The Traverse Theatre has appointed former Oldham Coliseum Artistic Director and Trustee of ThickSkin Theatre, Chris Lawson as their new Director of Programming and Producing. Chris joins the Programming and Producing team of Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls, Creative Engagement Director Robbie Gordon, Creative Engagement Producing Assistant Jennifer Galt and Executive Producer/CEO Linda Crooks. This team is ready to push forward with the Traverse mission to inspire creativity for audiences, artists and participants, instilling a lifetime of memorable experiences and empowering a cultural voice for all.
Chris’s range of experience brings a new leadership in producing and programming to help the nurturing of relationships with artists to maintain and develop the national and international reputation of the Traverse as a leading UK theatre and home for new ways of making and sharing work. He will also work with the existing team to deliver on all Traverse goals, trailblazing creativity, developing shared experiences that explore the world around us and connect with others.
Chris Lawson said “It is a dream of mine to join the Traverse team and contribute to the next exciting chapter in the role of Director of Producing & Programming. The Traverse is a leader in its field and I look forward to working with Artists, companies, communities and of course audiences across Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond. I look forward to bringing audiences and artists together, to share ideas and stage work that inspires excites and provokes conversations about who we are now.”
At the Coliseum, he has directed acclaimed productions including Maxine Peake’s Beryl, James Fritz’s Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, Martin McDonagh’s A Skull in Connemara, Tom Wells’ The Kitchen Sink and Jumpers For Goalposts. He has also directed Christopher Eccleston and Maxine Peak in excerpts from Dave Johns’ stage adaptation of I, Daniel Blake in a script in hand performance. His most recent productions outside of Oldham was the international tour of Gypsy Queen by Rob Ward (Emmerson and Ward Productions) and Crave by Sarah Kane (53two, Manchester).
Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls said “We’re thrilled to have Chris join our team and are looking forward to working with him to create a new and exciting programme of work that looks beyond our 60th year towards the next 60 years of the Traverse. Joining the team and myself, Chris will be vital in keeping the Traverse a vibrant creative hub and centre of artistic innovation for audiences and artists alike.”
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 