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.

This Game Right Here by Aaron Gordon

This Game Right Here is a dystopian, gamified exploration of London gang culture, and how young people can become indoctrinated into this life. When Pyro falls in with a group called the X-Men, he’s intent on proving his worth and gaining the points they need to move up in the world, at whatever cost. An astute observation on the glorification of power and violence, and a thrilling story of a young man caught up in the wrong crowd.

Cow and Pig by Ava Hickey

Pig snorts when she laughs and Cow is a cow for pointing it out. In art school they were inseparable. Now graduates, they must try and navigate a world of existential dread and the meaning of art. Where the language of their friendship is brutality and ridicule. Where commercial art is valued more than the avant-garde. And where James McAvoy is a mythical creature. The question is - where can they go from here? In this ridiculous, absurdist play - with plenty of LIVE art on stage - can Cow and Pig find the success they want whilst holding onto their integrity?

£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.