Traverse Theatre Company Presents the World Premiere of GIRL IN THE MACHINE

Girl in the Machine, presents a disturbing but compassionate take on our potential digital future, and what it might mean for 'life' as we know it. Part love story, part prophecy Girl in the Machine is a timely exploration of technology in a world that's falling apart and asks how far we would go in pursuit of ultimate happiness.

Girl in the Machine is written by Olivier Award-winning Traverse Associate Artist, Stef Smith, who returns to the Traverse following her acclaimed Royal Court Theatre debut, Human Animals, in 2016. Named by the Independent as a part of "a new generation of British playwrights who will dominate 2017" Stef is also the writer of the multi-award winning Swallow, which was produced as part of the Traverse Festival in 2015 and Roadkill, which toured internationally and to significant acclaim.

Girl in the Machine is directed by award-winning Traverse Artistic Director Orla O'Loughlin, who also directed Swallow, and was first performed in an early version, script-in-hand, as part of Breakfast Plays: Tech Will Tear Us Apart (?) series during Traverse Festival 2016.

The production follows successful young couple, Polly (Rosalind Sydney) and Owen (Michael Dylan), who seem to have it all in life and in love. But when Black Box, a mysterious new technology promising a break from the daily grind, creeps into everyone's phones, their world is turned upside down. As the line between physical and digital rapidly dissipates, and as the population begins to rebel, Polly and Owen are forced to question whether their definitions of reality and freedom are the same.

Girl in the Machine is presented as part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival 2017 in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.

Orla O'Loughlin, Artistic Director of the Traverse and Director of Girl in the Machine says:

"I am delighted to be directing Stef's new mainstage play for the Traverse. Girl in the Machine is a deeply felt and provocative examination of our potential digital future, wrapped up in a beautifully drawn love story. Stef once again invites us to explore the complexity of contemporary existence with an urgency and formal tenacity that is a thrilling challenge to lead a company through. With Stef's previous play for the Traverse , Swallow ,still being produced all over the world, Girl in the Machine promises to be a thrilling addition to the canon of new Scottish writing with powerful international impact."

Stef Smith, Writer of Girl in the Machine says:

"It is a privilege and a joy to be back at the Traverse which feels like the spiritual home for Scottish playwrights. Girl in the Machine is an exciting opportunity to be brave and bold in the brilliant space of Traverse One. While the play deals with our unknown technological future it's also a love story about two people trying to slalom through life together. It's a brilliant creative team behind this project and I'm especially looking forward to evolving and continuing my collaboration with Orla who continues to support and push my artistic practice. The team at the Traverse are incredibly special and have embraced this play and project every step of the way. It's an exciting adventure ahead!"

For tickets and more information, visit traverse.co.uk.

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