Rehearsals begin for World Premiere Production of Arctic Oil this October at Traverse Theatre

Rehearsals begin for Traverse Theatre's World Premiere Production of Clare Duffy's Arctic Oil this October.

Article Source: Traverse Theatre
Last Updated: 19 September 2018 15:21

• Traverse Associate Director Gareth Nicholls directs following the success of Traverse Festival 2018 hit Ulster American

• Arctic Oil grapples with how trying to save the world could end up destroying those closest to us – and even ourselves

• Tickets on sale now

Rehearsals began on Monday for the world premiere of Arctic Oil (Tue 9-Sat 20 Oct), a new play from celebrated Scottish writer Clare Duffy penned whilst on attachment as the IASH-Traverse Creative Fellow in 2014-15. It will be directed by Traverse Associate Director Gareth Nicholls following the success of the award-winning festival smash-hit Ulster American.

A compelling and timely family drama set on a remote Scottish island, the piece centres on an estranged mother and daughter who are at loggerheads over how best to protect their children. While Ella (Neshla Caplan), an environmental activist, fights to break from the isolating monotony of island life and save her son's future, her mother Margaret (Jennifer Black) is terrified that Ella’s brash stubbornness will her get killed.

Taking drastic action to ensure the safety of her daughter, Margaret locks Ella and herself in the family bathroom. From here, trapped together, the pair must confront their differences until one of them gives in or lashes out; and it quickly becomes clear that not all mothers know best. Arctic Oil ultimately grapples with how trying to save the world could end up destroying those closest to us – and even ourselves.

Jennifer Black, best known for her roles as Stella Urquhart in Local Hero and as DCS Gill Temper in much-loved television series Rebus, is joined by Neshla Caplan who previously starred in the world premiere of Adam (National Theatre of Scotland) at the Traverse – as well as various parts in Traverse projects: Breakfast Plays: Youthquake and Breakfast Plays: B!RTH.

Clare Duffy, Playwright, says:
“The inspiration for Arctic Oil started with the arrest of the Arctic 30 in November 2013, when 28 Greenpeace protesters and 2 journalists were arrested at gunpoint by the Russian army. I was particularly interested, when writing the first draft, in how a team of protestors might work together. Then I had a baby. I came back to that first draft with a completely different perspective. I started to think about what it means to be left behind from such a heroic team because of motherhood. How would a new mother’s fears about global warming play out against the very small, domestic context of her daily life. The idea of global warming sticks to every object in our lives from toilet paper and hot water to transportation.

I think Gareth is going to squeeze out the full intensity and claustrophobia of the drama of 2 characters who love each other and are trying to escape each other, and I hope that will allow the audience to see how the play still connects to the epic and terrifying scene of global warming.”

Gareth Nicholls, Director, says:
“Arctic Oil by Clare Duffy is a beautiful, funny but unnerving piece of work that pits two strong and principled people together as they stubbornly fight over what they believe is right. Set in a claustrophobic bathroom, on a remote Scottish island, sitting on the edge of a vast Arctic wilderness, it’s a brilliantly balanced character piece filled with humour and defiance, asking how dirty you’re willing to get to protect the ones you love. I hope Arctic Oil will be a moving and thrilling piece that asks big questions about what we want from our world and what we’re willing to sacrifice to achieve it. I can’t wait to get started.”

LISTINGS:
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Tue 9-Sat 20 Oct (preview Sat 6 Oct; press night Tue 9 Oct)
Box Office: 0131 228 1404

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow

Edinburgh – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, will welcome its first Scottish customers through the doors of its Edinburgh store on Thursday, 25th April.

CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour with dates at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.

Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.

Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.

Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.

The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.

Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!

Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!

Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.

New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!

Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!

Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!

Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.

Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh

Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.

Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week

Volunteers at the Newtongrange Community Garden were delighted to welcome a special visitor on Tuesday 2nd April - Owen Thompson MP.

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to Edinburgh’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is Back with Breakfast 7 days a week and Kids Eat Free the Easter Break

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of breakfast service seven days a week and to celebrate KIDS EAT FREE for the Easter break!

Cracking line up of cinematic classics and big screen blockbusters at Vue this April

A fantastic range of brand-new blockbusters, haunting horrors, theatre productions and all-time action classics lead the roster of releases heading to Vue this April.

Edinburgh Folk Club looks to future with wealth of musical talent and annual Songwriting Competition

Edinburgh Folk Club’s weekly folk, roots and acoustic nights are set to continue into the spring and summer, along with the return of their annual Songwriting Competition.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Rehearsals begin for World Premiere Production of Arctic Oil this October at Traverse Theatre

Rehearsals begin for Traverse Theatre's World Premiere Production of Clare Duffy's Arctic Oil this October.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings