“Theatre has been the trailblazer for ‘immersive experiences’ throughout history… I’m incredibly excited to work with the Traverse in exploring where theatre can lead us next.” – Adrian Hon
The Traverse Theatre has announced an exciting quartet of creative appointments, each poised to redefine the boundaries of storytelling and stagecraft as the theatre heads into 2025. With a mission to challenge, inspire, and innovate, these new roles bring together a blend of experienced voices and fresh perspectives to shape the future of performance in Scotland and beyond.
The Appointments at a Glance
- Bryony Shanahan joins as Associate Artist, championing bold new works like Trouble in Spiritland by Paul Tinto and collaborations with Hannah Jarrett-Scott and Lauryn Redding.
“I’ve had a long relationship with the Traverse… It is a full circle moment to support their incredible work in this new way,” says Shanahan. - Adrian Hon, renowned for blending gaming and storytelling, will spearhead the Immersive Creatives strand, including a 2025 panel series.
- Michael John O’Neill takes on the IASH/Traverse Creative Fellowship to craft a compelling new play about grappling with far-right ideology in personal relationships.
- Emma Dorfman, in a collaborative doctoral role, will explore the interplay between digital innovation and theatre-making, analysing its past, present, and future.
Why These Roles Matter
As Linda Crooks, Traverse CEO, explains, “In these challenging times, it is essential to have the conversations that inform creative debate… These four specialists bring an essential energy and broad perspective to our programme of work.”
From cutting-edge immersive experiences to tackling socio-political themes and digital innovation, these appointments reflect the Traverse’s commitment to fostering meaningful and impactful theatre that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Looking Forward to 2025
Bryony Shanahan, a familiar face at the Traverse, is ready to return in a new capacity. Having directed acclaimed productions like Enough and Same Team, she aims to amplify the Traverse’s hallmark boldness. “I am immensely excited to collaborate… to further the impact of The Traverse’s work through exhilarating, hilarious, and heartfelt stories,” she shared.
Adrian Hon brings his expertise in immersive storytelling, honed through award-winning projects such as You’ve Been Played. Reflecting on the theatre’s potential, Hon remarked, “I’m incredibly excited to work with the Traverse in exploring where theatre can lead us next in the rapidly-growing immersive universe.”
Building Bridges Between Academia and the Arts
Michael John O’Neill, acclaimed for This is Paradise, will delve into a deeply personal and political narrative for his new play. His work, supported by the Traverse’s long-standing partnership with The University of Edinburgh’s Institute for the Advanced Studies in the Humanities, aims to explore themes of conspiracy theories, inequality, and hope. “Michael’s state-of-the-nation drama… offers a fearless look at some of the most pressing issues facing our society today,” said Professor Lesley McAra.
In another academic collaboration, Emma Dorfman’s PhD research will investigate how digital technologies intersect with live theatre, offering potential new pathways for performance-making and audience engagement.
An Eye to the Future
Gareth Nicholls, Traverse Artistic Director, summed up the importance of these appointments: “Together these four appointments sum up the Traverse’s work; from supporting the creation of new works… to stretching and challenging the genres of writing we contribute to in Scotland.”
Traverse Theatre’s 2025 line-up isn’t just about performances; it’s about progress. Stay tuned for stories that promise to redefine theatre as we know it.