Rift

Direct from its sell-out North American premiere.

Two brothers — one a progressive novelist, the other a convicted murderer and high-ranking member of a white supremacist prison gang — shared a traumatic childhood. Now adults, these men navigate the edges of their bond. Are they truly so different?

Award-winning US playwright Gabriel Jason Dean’s new play is inspired by the real-life relationship with his own brother and asks if it’s truly possible to love someone whose beliefs you hate. Heartbreakingly honest, RIFT is an urgent and hopeful exploration of race, power, and ideological divides.

Luna Stage is one of North America’s most exciting new writing theatres, making their UK debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe in a collaboration with Olivier, Tony, Emmy, and Scotsman Fringe First Award-winning producer Richard Jordan who, with RIFT, continues his long association with the Traverse Theatre.

RIFT is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

Image: Valerie Terranova

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Reviews:

★★★★★ 'An unforgettable gut punch' - The Skinny

★★★★★ 'Absolutely stuns' - Binge Fringe

★★★★★ 'A must-see. Unflinching, unforgettable, and deeply moving' - One4Review

★★★★ 'Utterly gripping' - The Scotsman

★★★★ 'Nuanced and moving' - The Stage

★★★★ 'A powerful piece on brotherly love and hate' - The Herald

★★★★ 'A production whose immediacy and brutality are clear for all to see'- All Edinburgh Theatre

★★★★ 'Wonderful performances that will leave you conflicted.'- Broadway World

★★★★ 'Rich in comedy, plot and ideas' - Across the Arts

★★★★ 'Demands our attention' - North West End

★★★★ 'Intriguing' - Fest

★★★★ 'The energy and intensity of the performances is gripping' - The Reviews Hub

★★★★ 'Strongly written drama'- Three Weeks Edinburgh

★★★★'Feels both timely and timeless'- Theatre Weekly

★★★★ 'Spellbinding' - British Theatre Guide

★★★★ 'Generous and thoughtful piece of theatre' - Corr Blimey

'A thoughtful and affecting drama' - The National

'A powerful call for radical empathy - highly recommended' - Fringe Review

'RIFT is a must see…heady and compelling…(it) burns the heart and inspires the senses!' - Sherri Rase, [Q]onstage

'Wonderfully powerful...This show needs to be seen!' - Allen Neuner, Out In Jersey

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.