Traverse Theatre welcomes new creative appointments

The Traverse is thrilled to welcome a number of new creative appointments across a range of partnerships, projects and productions throughout 2021 and beyond.

Article Source: Traverse Theatre
Last Updated: 18 February 2021 13:50

The Traverse is thrilled to welcome a number of new creative appointments across a range of partnerships, projects and productions throughout 2021 and beyond.

Each individual will bring to the Traverse a variety of expertise and, in collaboration with one another and other participants and partners, will contribute to the organisation’s continued evolution and further deepen the Traverse’s work with both audiences and its communities.

The appointments are:

IASH/Traverse Creative Fellows 2021

Following a high volume of exciting and thought-provoking applications, the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) and Traverse Theatre are delighted to announce their 2021 Creative Fellows: Raman Mundair (IASH/Traverse Digital Fellow) and Apphia Campbell (IASH/Traverse Playwriting Fellow).

The piece which Raman will be developing during her Fellowship is a multi-platform storytelling experience employing film, soundscapes and social media which she describes as a 'theatre-film'. Using this range of digital technologies, she will tell a timely story exploring the history of Black and Brown bodies in the Shetland landscape, challenging preconceived notions of who is a Shetlander, who is Scottish, who is British and who is European.

Apphia's work will blend storytelling and gospel music to depict what happens when a tight-knit American community is rocked by harrowing truths coming out about its charismatic leader, and how those he brought together struggle with their collective identity as a result.

The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) was established in 1969 to promote interdisciplinary research in the arts, humanities and social sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

The work of both playwrights will feature as part of IASH's forthcoming three-year programme of research, the Institute Project on Decoloniality 2021-24 (IPD’24). This project offers £750,000 in funding for scholars from around the world to visit Edinburgh and explore issues such as decolonising the curriculum; neo-colonialism; Scotland’s role in the British Empire; reparations; the University of Edinburgh’s colonial legacy and alumni roles in the slave trade; and the histories of Edinburgh graduates and staff of colour.
Housed in a secluded 19th-century courtyard overlooking the Meadows, it provides space for discussion and debate. Since its foundation, more than 1,300 scholars from 67 countries have held Institute Fellowships. Previous playwrights in residence at IASH include Rona Munro, David Harrower, Frances Poet, Jo Clifford and Peter Arnott.

Wezi Mhura and Robbie Gordon - Creative Development Producers
Having led on 2020’s revitalised, digital version of the Traverse’s flagship education offering, Class Act, which included sharing knowledge from musicians and lyricists as well as playwrights to local secondary school students in order for them to write their own original plays, Wezi Mhura and Robbie Gordon have been appointed as Creative Development Producers. Together they will continue to evolve and deliver Class Act, its legacy and ambition for the future, as well as developing and producing other projects, productions and initiatives.

Recently Wezi, who was originator of the nationwide Black Lives Matter mural project, has been producing the Traverse’s Happenings series and collaborated with Hannah Price on In Someone Else’s Shoes: Edinburgh’s Unexpected Summer - which connected with Edinburgh residents reflecting on their city in lockdown with no festivals. Robbie has co-created and produced the participatory Wonderfools project, Positive Stories for Negative Times, which has been produced in association with the Traverse.

Uma Nada-Rajah – Traverse Writer in Residence

Writer Uma Nada-Rajah, who also works as a staff nurse with NHS Scotland, has been appointed as the Traverse’s 2021 Writer in Residence. Her most recent work with the Traverse was the 2020 audio play The Watercooler addressed racial tensions in the workplace, and she is a graduate of the Traverse’s Young Writers programme.

Throughout her residency, Uma will develop two new plays examining pressing issues in contemporary society. Extracts of each piece will subsequently be presented to audiences as work-in-progress sharings – whether in person in the Traverse’s physical theatre space, or in our digital venue, Traverse 3.

Jack Nurse – Artist in Residence (Creative Development)

Alongside Robbie Gordon, Jack is currently developing a new audio project based on the experiences of those living with dementia in Edinburgh, commissioned by Capital Theatres and produced by the Traverse Theatre. Created through conversations and workshops with those living with dementia, and those who care for them, the audio drama follows a character reflecting on her life in Edinburgh, and will be available later in Spring.

Together with Robbie Gordon, he is also representing artists - nominated by the Traverse - as part of a networking exchange project with CAPACOA - Canada's Association for the Performing Arts - and a number of other Scottish organisations.

Robbie Gordon, Creative Development Producer, says:
"Originally hailing from Prestonpans, the Traverse was the theatre I went to that I truly understood the potential of what theatre could be. So I'm absolutely delighted to be continuing my relationship with the theatre. I'm looking forward to making work with and for communities in Edinburgh and working with the team to map out future work in this area."

Uma Nada-Rajah, Traverse Writer in Residence, says:
"I’m honoured to be joining the Traverse Theatre as Writer in Residence at this particular moment in time. I plan to bring to the table raw stories, honestly and unflinchingly told.
My first brush with a professional theatre was with the Traverse Young Writers’ programme, so I’m especially delighted to return to the Traverse in this capacity."

The Traverse is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, with additional support from The Scottish Government Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Traverse Theatre welcomes new creative appointments

The Traverse is thrilled to welcome a number of new creative appointments across a range of partnerships, projects and productions throughout 2021 and beyond.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings