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

Casting for WAITRESS in Edinburgh!

Multi award-winning West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher will lead the cast as Jenna for a limited run and appearing in Edinburgh for her only Scottish dates.

Peppa Pig Casting Announced

Fierylight, in collaboration with Hasbro, are thrilled to announce the cast for the upcoming ‘oinktastic’ UK tour of Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.

Edinburgh Christmas Parties & Activities 2025

With Christmas just around the corner, there's never been a better time to start thinking about your Edinburgh festive celebrations.

Bongos Bingo Christmas Cracker and Big Fat Bingo of the Year

This festive season at The O2 Academy, Bongo’s Bingo is transporting everyone back to the time when coloured tree lights and flammable tinsel ruled supreme.

Casting for MAMMA MIA! Announced

Full casting is announced for the sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! which comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season playing from Tue 9 Dec 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026.

Women lead the way in the National Galleries of Scotland 2026 programme

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2026.

Flight Club is giving out hundreds of prizes on the streets of Edinburgh in October

The team behind the home of Social Darts is embarking on a nationwide charity tour in celebration of its 10th birthday and dishing out treats to its fans along the way!

Scottish Building Society brings communities together for largest walking rugby event in Scotland

Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s largest walking rugby festival last month, bringing together players of all abilities for a celebration of sport, community, and accessible active living.

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined Sir Tom Hunter to lead out Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,500 Kiltwalkers at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk (Sunday September 14) raising £1.5 million for 800 charities.

Edinburgh school kids team up with Kabin Crew to create a new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic

Young musicians from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration led by Cork’s Kabin Crew.

Capitals Bartenders Cast Their Vote As Edinburgh Bar Awards Reveal Finalists

Edinburgh’s top bartenders have had their say, as the Edinburgh Bar Awards today (Thursday, 11th September) reveal the 2025 finalists across 11 categories.

Take to the skies with Daredevil Photographer Alfred Buckham at the National Galleries of Scotland

This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival Programme Announced

With support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme.

Mindroom Fundraising Heroes Drive Charity Support Forward

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by charity co-founder 81-year-old Robin Dow, living with stage 4 cancer, as his 25-mile walk raised a huge £70,000.

Fresh deals for freshers

Calling all students in Edinburgh! Britain’s biggest craft brewer, BrewDog, has announced some fresh new deals for freshers and returning students to toast the new academic year.

Carol Main MBE FRC appointed Chair of National Centre for Music

The development of a new National Centre for Music has reached another key milestone, with the appointment of Carol Main MBE FRC as Chair.

Eat Spain Drink Spain returns for a Culinary Fiesta across Edinburgh

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as the "Eat Spain Drink Spain" campaign makes its much-anticipated return to Edinburgh.

Haggis the pygmy hippo to say goodbye to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo has announced that Haggis the pygmy hippo will be moving to another zoo as part of the breeding programme for the Endangered species.

Spooky Season Arrives at Dynamic Earth this October

This October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Edinburgh bridal expert shares her top trend prediction for Taylor Swift wedding

Now is the time to shop for that perfect dress, as Rachel Scott Couture has announced it will be hosting a one-off, three-week long sample sale at its Queensferry Street boutique.

Marcos unveils first of its kind interactive karaoke room

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco's is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression.

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Divino Enoteca launches September tasting menu and free wine tastings

This September, Edinburgh’s Italian wine bar Divino Enoteca, is offering plenty for food and wine lovers to explore.

September offers for Freshers Week at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving students an extra reason to head out this semester with 20% off food, non-alcoholic drinks and merchandise when they show a valid student ID.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

Dynamic Earth partners with Scottish Water to deliver Water Cycle Workshops

Dynamic Earth is to join Science Centres across Scotland to deliver Water Cycle Workshops as part of Scottish Water's Generation H2O education programme.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 programme announced

The Edinburgh Cocktail Week programme for 2025 has been announced, reaffirming its status as the UK’s leading cocktail festival.

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