Traverse Theatre has announced its programme for TravFest24, it’s yearly festival of Fringe Theatre running in accordance with the Edinburgh Fringe, from Thursday 25th July to Sunday 25th August. This programme encompasses a mix of both some returning popular shows, and eight premieres with talented writers from across the world. The ten plays will be split evenly across the two venues inside the theatre as usual, the larger Traverse 1, and the smaller studio of Traverse 2.
The intentions set out for the programme is to have shows that explore love in all it’s forms, the will to survive an ever changing and threatening world, and our frailty in the face of strife. To reflect this the stories herald from both exciting new writers and established artists premiering shows, from both the UK and far abroad.
Keeping with Traverse Theatre’s ethos, each show is intimate, inventive and explorative, taking the audience around the world dealing with both the larger than life problems of war, to living room couples arguments. Each show demonstrates Traverse Theatre’s range and dedication to shining lights on new writers, ensuring there is something for everyone.
‘My English Persian Kitchen’ by Hannah Khalil (based on a story by Atoosa Sepehr) will feature live cooking accompanied by story telling by Isabella Nefar (Salome – National Theatre) as she tells the story of a woman fleeing Iran, losing her home but in the process finding herself once again, in the bonds of community, and food.
‘Same Team’ by Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse and written with the Street Soccer Scotland’s women players, follows the players attempting to bring the Homeless world cup home to Scotland. An incredible joyful and uplifting story, it will explore the hardships of the players and how they overcome the challenges both collectively and individually. It had raring reviews last year, so this return is highly recommended
‘A History of Paper’ by Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams is a new piece of musical theatre, with a raw, touching, and painful love story following the life of a couple from their first meeting – via her complaint in his letterbox telling him to shut up, through their fruitful marriage until another piece of paper usurps their life.
‘Natalie Palamides: Weer’ by Natalie Palamides is another highly acclaimed play coming to TravFest24. A romantic dramedy centered around a couples argument on a 1990s new years eve. Her unique style of comedy was well reviewed both in execution and the extra dimension it brings to what initially sounds like a pedestrian setup.
‘Cyrano’ by Virginia Gay acts as a twist on the play Cyrano de Bergerac, retelling it with all genders flipped to present a jubilant queer celebration of love, theatre, and hoping for happy endings despite the odds. Virginia promises to take the original plays more negative outlook and instead use it to allow everyone to dream of a world of perfect lines, where we all have the love we deserve.
‘The Sound Inside’ by Adam Rapp makes its premiere as part of Travfest24. Already nominated for six Tony Awards, it tells a gripping story of a writing professor’s infatuation with a freshman student who breaks the rules in brilliant ways. It follows their relationship as a favour is asked by one, leading them into a tense plot spiralling towards a climatic ending.
‘Batshit’ by Leah Shelton and directed by Olivier award winning director Ursula Martinez, follows in it’s namesake in it’s chaotic exploration of female madness. A condition that throughout history has been used to medicalise, punish, abuse and exploit women. It does this by serving as a requiem for Leah’s grandmother Gwen who was locked away for seeking her own independence in Australia. Batshit tries to draw these sexist myths, ideas and techniques out of the shadows to kill them.
‘In Two Minds’ by Joanne Ryan takes the simple set up of a parent and their adult child in the same home, to draw together the different generations feelings of love, mental health and the human condition in it’s other forms.
‘A Knock on the Roof’ by Khawla Ibraheem is a very timely piece set in Gaza. Following Mariam who is so used to the threat of bombs on her, or her neighbours homes, she decides to practice evacuating, carrying as much as fits in her hands in the five minutes the smaller ‘warning’ bombs signal to her. Originally slated to premiere in Palestine, due to the recent escalation it instead is premiering in Edinburgh, promising to shed light on how people find hope, laughter, and reasons to keep going in a life where death is a constant.
Making its World Premiere on the Traverse 1 stage, the Traverse Theatre Company is proud to present So Young by Douglas Maxwell, in co-production with Raw Material and Citizens Theatre. A notable name on the Scottish stage with hits like Decky Does A Bronco and previous Traverse commission I Can Go Anywhere, this touching and funny new play explores the challenges of middle age, shifting friendships, and the impact of losing those close to us. So Young will be brought to life by direction from Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls.
The full programme and booking can be found at https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/travfest24