The Traverse Theatre is delighted to announce that award winning writer director and playwright Stef Smith, whose work Swallow premieres today as part of Traverse Festival 2015, has accepted the honorary post of Traverse Associate Artist. Stef joins the company’s cohort of Traverse Theatre Associate Artists that includes playwrights David Greig, Morna Pearson and Tim Price - a group of writers and directors who work closely with the theatre, sharing and supporting its commitment to new writing and talent development.
Stef won an Olivier Award for her work on the show Roadkill in 2012, and is also known for Falling Flying…. In 2013, she was part of the Royal Court Theatre’s inaugural National Writers’ Programme and she is currently under commission from the Royal Court.
Since graduating from Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, Stef has produced several new pieces of work as both an individual artist and in collaboration with other theatre makers. Her work is predominately political, seeking to unearth unheard stories.
Stef Smith commented, “I’m extremely humbled and very excited to be invited to be an Associate Artist at the Traverse Theatre. No matter where in the world I go this building will always be a particularly special place for me, so to be formally attached to it means a lot both professionally and personally. I can’t wait to jump in with both feet and embrace all that it means to be part of the associate team.”
Swallow is Stef’s first commission for the Traverse Theatre. Directed by Traverse Artistic Director, Orla O’Loughlin, and running throughout the Traverse Festival, it is the story of three strangers whose lives change forever in the first five minutes of the play. As the play unfolds, each of the characters continues with their life, trying to pick up the pieces as their narratives intertwine. The poetic script is brought to life by Orla O’Loughlin’s well respected direction.
Orla O’Loughlin, Traverse Theatre Artistic Director added, “It’s really exciting to have Stef cement her relationship with the Traverse by becoming one of our Associate Artists. She shares our commitment to asking the big questions and inspires other artists to explore innovative ways of creating and realising work. It’s really thrilling for me personally having worked so closely with Stef to bring her latest work Swallow the stage as part of our Festival 2015 programme. It’s the perfect moment to formalise the dynamic and vital relationship we have begun”.