The Traverse has just announced that Orla O’Loughlin of Pentabus Theatre will be its new Artistic Director. Orla will join the Traverse in January 2012.
Confirming the appointment, Stephen Cotton, Chair of the board, called Orla O’Loughlin's credentials in new writing "outstanding".
He said: "She has proven herself to be an exceptional director and leader and we feel very privileged to have found her. I would also like to extend our enormous thanks and best wishes to Dominic Hill, who leaves the Traverse in a strong position. We are already looking forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Orla O’Loughlin is currently Artistic Director of Pentabus Theatre. She joined the company in 2007, moving from the Royal Court Theatre where she was the International Associate.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Traverse at this exciting point in its incredible history," said Orla.
"Leading Scotland’s New Writing Theatre is a wonderful challenge and a creative gift. Under my artistic directorship, the Traverse will continue the search for new work from Scotland and beyond that resonates with local, national and international audiences. In particular, as the Traverse approaches its 50th year, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant commitment to the future of new Scottish playwriting. Together with the Board and staff of the Traverse, we want to build on the strong foundations of the Traverse as a creative hub where Scotland's leading and emerging artists and companies work alongside and learn from each other whilst having the opportunity to interact and connect with Edinburgh audiences, particularly the young. I would also like to express my thanks and admiration to Dominic Hill for the fantastic work he has done at the Traverse and the extraordinary legacy he is now passing on.”
Outgoing Artistic Director Dominic Hill said, "I'm delighted by Orla's appointment to the Traverse. I know she will bring a new and exciting energy to this organisation and to theatre in Scotland. I wish her all the best and look forward to working with her and the Traverse in the future."
Traverse playwright David Greig, said, “I'm delighted that Orla is coming to the Traverse. She came through a lengthy process and a very talented field of candidates. She has an impeccable track record in new writing. With Pentabus, she put a small regional company on the national map. Her vision for the Traverse is fresh, passionate, full of ideas and connected to community. She's the right person at the right moment. Exciting times ahead.”
The announcement comes as the Traverse launches its Autumn 2011 season which includes two Traverse Theatre Company World Premieres: The Salon Project devised by Stewart Laing, co-produced by his Glasgow-based company Untitled Projects and The Tree of Knowledge by Jo Clifford, directed by Ben Harrison.
Orla O’Loughlin's Background
Directing work includes: For Once (Hampstead Theatre Studio); Tales of the Country, Origins (Pleasance/Theatre Severn); Relatively Speaking, Blithe Spirit, Black Comedy (Watermill Theatre); Kebab(Dublin International Festival/Royal Court Theatre); How Much is your Iron? (Young Vic); The Hound of the Baskervilles (West Yorkshire Playhouse in association with Peepolykus - National Tour and West End); Shuffle (National Youth Theatre); Underland(Clearwell Caves); Small Talk: Big Picture(BBC World Service/ICA/ Royal Court Theatre); A Dulditch Angel(Eastern Angles - National Tour) and The Fire Raisers,sob stories, Refrain (BAC).
Orla was winner of the James Menzies Kitchin Directors Award and recipient of the Carlton Bursary at the Donmar Warehouse.