Traverse Announces New Associate Artist Gary McNair and Locker Room Talk Cast

The Traverse Theatre is delighted to announce that award-winning playwright Gary McNair will be joining the Company as a Traverse Associate Artist. Gary joins the Company's family of Associate Artists - a group of writers and directors who work closely with the theatre, sharing and supporting its commitment to new writing and talent development. Other Traverse Associate Artists are Morna Pearson, Tim Price, Emma Callander, Stef Smith and Rob Drummond.

Gary and the Traverse have developed a successful and supportive creative relationship. His show A Gambler's Guide to Dying premiered at the Traverse during the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was a hit with audiences and critics alike, winning a Scotsman Fringe First and a Holden Street Theatre Award. His earlier pieces, Born to Run (2012) and Donald Robertson is Not a Stand Up Comedian (2014), started life at the Traverse and have gone on to enjoy touring success, with Donald Robertson is Not a Stand Up Comedian returning to the Traverse in 2016. His new work in progress, Locker Room Talk, will be performed at the Traverse on the 17th and 18th February 2017.

Gary McNair says

"The Traverse is my favourite theatre in the world. I've performed there more than any other venue and it never loses its excitement. The first time I performed there it felt like the theatre equivalent of playing Glastonbury and I still get that same buzz now. I've also seen some of the most exciting and important theatre at the Traverse so you can imagine my delight at being asked to join the team. Given its incredible reputation and high quality of its work I take it as no small feat to be its representative, and it's something I'll do with pride. I find the other Associate Artists really inspiring writers so it's a real honour to be standing alongside them in this way. I look forward to being an ambassador for the theatre as I travel with my work but also to my responsibility of helping, along with the rest of the brilliant Associates and creative team, to shape the future of this important theatre. "

Orla O'Loughlin, Artistic Director, Traverse Theatre says

"As an organisation which champions the brightest new talent in contemporary drama, I am delighted to welcome Gary to join the Traverse's acclaimed team of Associate Artists. As we begin work on his next show, Locker Room Talk, it is clear that in turbulent times theatre becomes more vital than ever and the Traverse remains a place for artists and audiences to gather, examine and debate the pressing issues of the day. At tipping points in history, such as this, writers like Gary offer an urgent, challenging and heartfelt response to the rapidly evolving world around us and I am so looking forward to seeing where this unique theatrical adventure leads."

Casting is also confirmed for Locker Room Talk, written by Gary McNair and directed by Orla O'Loughlin, which runs at the Traverse from Friday 17th to Saturday 18th February at 7.30pm.

The cast is Caroline Deyga, Jamie Marie Leary, Alison Peebles and Rachael Spence.

Locker Room Talk is a verbatim, work in progress theatre piece, inspired by Donald Trump's dismissal of controversial comments made during his presidential campaign as 'locker room talk'. Gary McNair has been having honest conversations with men about women to explore this phenomenon, with the words of these men being performed by a cast of women, directed by Orla O'Loughlin. There will be a post-show discussion after each performance.

For further information visit traverse.co.uk.

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