Bold stories that question the world and give voice to fear and hope are set to fill the Traverse stages and bar this December. Curated by the theatre’s team of new writing specialists, creative voices belonging to people of all ages and experiences are set to entertain and challenge audiences who come together over the festive season.
In our troubled times, the Traverse presents Paul Tinto’s Trouble In Spiritland, a tale with cultural significance, posing questions of morality and the human spirit’s propensity for compassion. Adapted from the mythic epic narrative poem of the same name, this theatrical spoken-word presentation is packed with live music, sound scaping and poetic language.
Nominated in the upcoming Creative Edinburgh Awards, Traverse presents Mary: A Gig Theatre Show that blends folk-rock music and spoken word to create a fresh look at the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. A sell-out during the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this production, created by six early career theatre-makers, has been met with consistent audience and critical acclaim.
The Class Act Showcase returns for the second time in 2024 with young people in schools and youth groups across Edinburgh who have been working with professional artists during the Autumn term to explore the craft of playwrighting and write their own scripts. Over three performances this December, these new plays bring fresh perspectives to the Traverse’s stage presented by a team of professional theatre-makers.
Following two sell-out years for the 4PLAY team’s scratch nights of new work, the new writing group returns with four new full-length plays supported by the Traverse. These snapshots of life in Scotland’s capital set against familiar backdrops from the city’s Festivals to its East End football club, see Edinburgh playwrights Ruaraidh Murray, Mikey Burnett, Andrea McKenzie and Katy Nixon take to the stage for the first time in two double bills across four nights.
The inaugural year of Music at the Traverse wraps-up with established Scottish music artist and producer Pictish Trail, who will appear alongside special guests in their all-day Christmas party – HUMBUG! Long-term partners Soundhouse share their Winter Festival and present Dean Owens & The Sinners with a mix of humour with not so festive songs.
Traverse Executive Producer Linda Crooks said “The Traverse is a place where everyone is welcome – on stage and off…This December we do that through a brilliantly broad range of voices across spoken word, music and song, poetry and new theatre created by young people who can teach us so much, and who share so creatively…
“It’s especially important to us that this is an affordable offer for all, and so our £1 tickets continue for those receiving low-income benefits or under 25. We would love you to come and experience these stories with us, that make sense of our lives.”
The Traverse continues its relationship with Edinburgh Beer Factory, sponsors of the December Sessions with Paolozzi’s new Session Lager.
Full programme and booking: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 