Performances of Maryland by Lucy Kirkwood to take place across Edinburgh

Lucy Kirkwood wrote what she has described as a ‘howl’ of a short play about the prevalence and injustice of the culture of violence against women.

Article Source: Traverse Theatre
Last Updated: 16 November 2021 13:23

• Short play was written in two days in response to the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa about the culture of violence against women, and was originally performed at the Royal Court

• Script-in-hand readings will take place at the Southside Community Centre on Sat 20 Nov (produced by Hilary Spiers) and at the Traverse Theatre on Wed 24 and Thu 25 Nov (produced by the Traverse Theatre Company)

• Performances will raise funds for local charities, Rape Crisis Edinburgh, Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Shakti Women’s Aid

In the space of just two days, following the horrific murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, Lucy Kirkwood (Chimerica, Mosquitoes, The Children) wrote what she has described as a ‘howl’ of a short play about the prevalence and injustice of the culture of violence against women.

Now script-in-hand performances of the piece are to be performed across the capital in two productions, united by their desire for as many people as possible to experience this raw and important work, and bring audiences together in a communal sharing of grief, frustration, resistance and hope.

Each production will donate all ticket income to a local charity supporting survivors of abuse and violence.

Southside Community Centre, produced by Hilary Spiers
Sat 20 Nov at 7 and 8.30PM
Raising funds for Rape Crisis Edinburgh

Art27scotland are delighted to support this production directed by novelist, award-winning short story writer and playwright, Hilary Spiers.

Traverse Theatre, produced by Traverse Theatre Company
Wed 24 Nov at 7PM and Thu 25 Nov at 1 and 7PM
Raising funds for Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Shakti Women’s Aid

Directed by Brite Theater Artistic Director, Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir (Deliverance, (Can This Be) Home).

Casting to be announced.

Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir, director of the Traverse Theatre reading, said:

"Last night my friend walked home from the pub. I tried to convince her to get a taxi but she said she needed the exercise. I thought to myself 'of course you can't trust taxi drivers either'. I held my breath until she texted me she was home safe. This is the reality we live in. This is the cost of being female. The constant fear. The constant threat. The constant risk assessment. The ultimate price has been paid, by Sarah Everard. By Sabina Nessa. By hundreds and thousands and millions of women all over the world. According to the UN report on violence against women about 137 women were killed daily by partners or family members in 2020. Lucy Kirkwood's play, or howl as she describes it, captures the rage, the despair, the sorrow and fear we collectively feel and yells it from the rooftops. Safety is a human right, or it should be. Yet in 2021 we feel fundamentally unsafe. A play won't change that but this event is not just about a play. It's about what culture can bring to the table in educating our sons and uniting our daughters. The violence is not fiction but maybe fiction can help end it. This is a vigil. A protest. A cry for change. It starts small, but we hope it grows and grows."

Hilary Spiers, director of the Southside Community Centre reading, said:
“Lucy Kirkwood’s ‘howl of rage’ is a gauntlet thrown down to society to tackle violence against women. It is uncompromising, brutal, necessary. Women from all over Edinburgh, of all ages and cultures, are coming together to bring this play to as wide an audience as possible. And if not now, then when?”

Maryland was originally performed at the Royal Court Theatre in the Jerwood Upstairs from Thursday 7 - Sat 23 October 2021.

COVID-19 safety
Productions at both locations will observe social distancing, with audiences required to wear masks whilst in the venues and throughout the performance, unless medically exempt.

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

Latest Edinburgh News

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities

Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.

Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence

George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner

The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.

Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone

Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers

Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Santas little helpers, assemble

Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.

The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh

Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.

Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill

The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.

Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground

Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.

Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey

Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.

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

Performances of Maryland by Lucy Kirkwood to take place across Edinburgh

Lucy Kirkwood wrote what she has described as a ‘howl’ of a short play about the prevalence and injustice of the culture of violence against women.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings