Nicholls interim AD at Trav

Nov 14 2018 | By More

Gareth Nicholls made Traverse’s interim artistic director

The Traverse board is to hold a consultation about the theatre’s future and has appointed Gareth Nicholls as interim artistic director while the process is carried out.

Nicholls is currently the theatre’s associate director and will work with executive producer Linda Crooks, taking over from existing AD Orla O’Loughlin on December 5 2018 when she leaves to join the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Gareth Nicholls. Pic: The Traverse

The aim of the consultation is to work out how the theatre can increase the amount of work on its stages. This includes in-house productions, working with the community of Edinburgh theatre makers and companies, as well as bringing in more touring companies.

Nicholls joined the Traverse from the Glasgow Citizens in May 2017. He has subsequently directed David Ireland’s Ulster American which returns for a limited run in the Spring, as well as the world premieres of Gary McNair’s Letters to Morrissey, Morna Pearson’s How to Disappear and Clare Duffy’s Arctic Oil.



Welcoming Nicholls to the role, Sir John Elvidge, Chair of the Traverse’s board of trustees said that programming of the theatre will: “continue to be a collaborative effort between many members of the team”.

Elvidge added that the board is using the “opportunity” of O’Loughlin’s departure to: “undertake a period of consultation to explore how the Traverse can increase the number of exciting new plays produced on our stages and make itself truly fit for the future.”

A spokesperson for the Traverse told Æ that how long Nicholls remains as interim AD depends on what the consultation process ends up being like. Further details are expected before Christmas.

artistic leader

Nicholls’ appointment doesn’t preclude him from a permanent position, nor does it indicate that the theatre won’t have an artistic leader in the future. The interim title is purely practical so the theatre can continue to operate while working out its strategy.

Asked about what areas of work the theatre wants to increase, she said: “We definitely would like to increase the amount of work that we produce but generally we want to work with even more partners and artists in the future just to make sure that we are getting as many plays on stage that can represent the diversity of modern Scotland, as possible.”

Gareth Nicholls says: “I’m thrilled to be able to contribute further to the Traverse at this exciting time as its Interim Artistic Director.

“Orla has created a vibrant and bold organisation, full of enthusiastic and creative individuals who are passionate about telling important stories and representing the dynamism of modern Scotland.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this mission, and to collaborating with a wide range of visionary playwrights, innovative theatre makers and excited audiences to expand the Traverse’s stellar work.”

See also:
O’Loughlin quits Traverse
Gareth Nicholls for Traverse

ENDS

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