A special double bill presentation of readings of full-length scripts from the 2022 First Stages Writers.

The 2022 First Stages Writers are a group of six writers selected from our 2020 Open Submissions initiative, and have received personal creative and script development with the Traverse’s Literary Manager, Artistic Team, Associate Artists and a company of theatremakers.

This is the public's first chance to experience these exciting new voices and stories as they make their way to a full production.

Soldiers by Fraser Scott

Soldiers is a story of boys and men. Craigo, Jammy, Davie and Ryan were best mates growing up in Paisley together, and now they’re on the brink of adulthood – and about to split ways. As the gang replay the events that formed them into men, they are forced to re-examine the facts of one particular night. A coming-of-age story about the pressures of masculinity, Soldiers explores how we perceive the past, as well as the lasting impact our actions have on our future.

The Cleaner by Kate Reid

Set in the USA in an apocalyptic future not too distant from our own, Violet and Richard are strangers who meet at the worst moment of their lives. She is an anonymous cleaner and he is the most powerful man in the world. And they have one hour inside a locked room to decide whether they should sacrifice one life for the greater good. But as they start to learn more about each other, they realise that neither one of them is in control of the situation - and that they’re being watched by the people who are.

£1 tickets are available for this event.

This event will take place in person at the Traverse Theatre.

This event is part of our First Stages Festival - a celebration of storytelling and playwriting.

Graphics by Kay Cochrane

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, with additional support from The Scottish Government Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

First Stages Festival 2022 is generously supported by the Dr David Summers Charitable Trust and the Noël Coward Foundation.