New Artistic Director for the Traverse
26 August 2011 ← return to listing
We're delighted to announce that Orla
O'Loughlin of Pentabus Theatre willl join
us as Artistic Director in January 2012.
Orla O'Loughlin is currently Artistic Director of Pentabus
Theatre. Orla joined the company in 2007, moving from the Royal
Court Theatre where she was the International Associate. Directing
work includes: For Once (Hampstead Theatre Studio);
Tales of the Country, Origins (Pleasance/Theatre Severn);
Relatively Speaking, Blithe Spirit, Black Comedy
(Watermill Theatre); Kebab (Dublin International
Festival/Royal Court Theatre); How Much is your Iron?
(Young Vic); The Hound of the Baskervilles (West Yorkshire
Playhouse in association with Peepolykus - National Tour and West
End); Shuffle (National Youth Theatre); Underland (Clearwell
Caves); Small Talk: Big Picture (BBC World Service/ICA/
Royal Court Theatre); A Dulditch Angel (Eastern Angles -
National Tour) and The Fire Raisers, sob stories, Refrain
(BAC). Orla was winner of the James Menzies Kitchin Directors Award
and recipient of the Carlton Bursary at the Donmar Warehouse.
Speaking about her new appointment, Orla said, "I am thrilled to
be joining the Traverse at this exciting point in its incredible
history. Leading Scotland's New Writing Theatre is a wonderful
challenge and a creative gift. Under my artistic
directorship, the Traverse will continue the search for new work
from Scotland and beyond that resonates with local, national and
international audiences. In particular, as the Traverse
approaches its 50th year, this is the perfect opportunity to make a
significant commitment to the future of new Scottish
playwriting. Together with the Board and staff of the
Traverse, we want to build on the strong foundations of the
Traverse as a creative hub where Scotland's leading and emerging
artists and companies work alongside and learn from each other
whilst having the opportunity to interact and connect with
Edinburgh audiences, particularly the young. I would also like to
express my thanks and admiration to Dominic Hill for the fantastic
work he has done at the Traverse and the extraordinary legacy he is
now passing on."
Outgoing Artistic Director Dominic Hill said, "I'm delighted by
Orla's appointment to the Traverse. I know she will bring a new and
exciting energy to this organisation and to theatre in Scotland. I
wish her all the best and look forward to working with her and the
Traverse in the future."
Traverse playwright David Greig, said, "I'm delighted that Orla
is coming to the Traverse. She came through a lengthy process and a
very talented field of candidates. She has an impeccable track
record in new writing. With Pentabus, she put a small regional
company on the national map. Her vision for the Traverse is fresh,
passionate, full of ideas and connected to community. She's the
right person at the right moment. Exciting times ahead."
The announcement comes as we launch our Autumn 2011 season which
includes two Traverse Theatre Company World Premieres: The Salon
Project devised by Stewart Laing, co-produced by his
Glasgow-based company Untitled Projects and The Tree
of Knowledge by Jo Clifford, directed by Ben Harrison.
Read the
full Media Release on Orla's appointment and on our new season,
here