Traverse Theatre Company Announces TRACKS OF WINTER BEAR Cast

The Traverse Theatre Company today announces the cast for its forthcoming production Tracks of the Winter Bear. The all-female, ensemble cast features a number of well-known performers. Deborah Arnott (Caucasian Chalk Circle, Royal Lyceum), Karen Bartke (My Name Is..., Tamasha Theatre, UK tour), Caroline Deyga (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, National Theatre of Scotland), Kathryn Howden (The Last Witch, Edinburgh International Festival/ Traverse) and Molly Innes (The Artist Man and the Mother Woman, Traverse Theatre Company) have appeared in numerous productions in Scotland and internationally and bring a wealth of experience.

The double bill brings seasonal stories, with a touch of the mystic, to the stage. It features world premieres by Rona Munro and Stephen Greenhorn inspired by ideas of wintery landscapes, Edinburgh and polar bears. Both playwrights have achieved considerable fame for their work in stage and other media and have a long association with the Traverse, which counts them among its most successful alumni. Both expressed their excitement at the prospect of this unique project and have worked closely to bring their individual ideas to fruition. Here again they bring their renowned wit and surreal but incisive gaze to bear on contemporary issues.

Tracks of the Winter Bear is directed by Traverse Artistic Director Orla O'Loughlin and Traverse Associate Director Zinnie Harris. Kai Fisher is the designer and David Paul Jones is the sound designer and composer. Lighting design is by Simon Wilkinson.

Orla O'Loughlin said, "What a wonderful way to end the year, with a double bill of wintry plays by two of Scotland's finest playwrights and Traverse alumni. These plays offer a heartfelt and often fantastical insight into themes of loss, fear and love. As such they feel very much of the season. Both create a dreamlike canvas on which two very individual but equally inventive journeys unfold. By turns tragic and darkly comic, our Tracks of the Winter Bear double bill promises an exciting and daringly theatrical experience for Traverse audiences this December."

Zinnie Harris added, "It's been a pleasure to work with Rona and Stephen on this; their experience of writing for the stage, imagination and theatrical flair mean the scripts are rich with ideas and individuality. Both are stories with a strong link to Edinburgh, and both are about facing our fears and not walking away from life. Set against a snowy landscape and complete with a polar bear, it promises to be a mid-winter treat"

Stephen Greenhorn added, "I'm delighted to be back working at the Traverse again. It's a place which holds many special memories for me. I'm particularly thrilled to be collaborating with Rona on such a unique project. I can't wait see it come to life."

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