Women+ on the Edge of Democracy

What does democracy feel like now, and what can theatre reveal about this pivotal moment?

Traverse Theatre is delighted to be partnering with Tron Theatre to take part in Women+ on the Edge of Democracy, a groundbreaking initiative encouraging conversation about American democracy, initiated by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

Taking place in communities across the globe, Women+ on the Edge of Democracy brings together 36 acclaimed women+ playwrights from around the world to witness, question and illuminate this pivotal chapter in American civic life through a collection of short plays and monologues.

Directed by acclaimed Scottish playwright Zinnie Harris, one of the writers commissioned as part of the project, a company of professional actors will bring a selection of the works to life through informal readings, first at the Traverse on Wednesday 28 October, followed by the Tron Theatre on Thursday 29 October.

The project invited playwrights to respond to two urgent questions: What is the current state of democracy in America? What can history, global context or futurism offer us in this pivotal moment?

Spanning comedy and tragedy, rage and tenderness, hope and fear, the works explore what democracy looks and feels like today, bringing together a range of perspectives on its contradictions, challenges and possibilities as the US approaches the 2026 Midterm Elections.

This event is free but ticketed.

Original artwork by Paula Scher and Pentagram.

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

For more information on Women+ on the Edge of Democracy please visit:

Homepage: https://www.democracy.flynnvt.org/

Playwrights Info: https://www.democracy.flynnvt.org/playwrights

Plays: https://www.democracy.flynnvt.org/plays

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.