The Stage

Silbert lends experienced hand to Paines Plough

Published Tuesday 23 November 2004 at 11:10 by Alistair Smith

Paines Plough has announced Roxanna Silbert as its new artistic director, following Vicky Featherstone’s departure to help set up and run the new National Theatre of Scotland.

Silbert began her career at the Royal Court in 1993 as assistant director, progressing to the position of associate director before leaving in 1999. More recently she worked as literary director at the Traverse in Edinburgh, a post she held from 2001 until May this year. During her time at both theatres, she won several awards and worked on new productions from a range of playwrights.

She said: “I’ve almost always directed new plays - I’m really interested in working with new writers. Paines Plough has got a fantastic national and international profile and the company is expanding. I’d like to do a combination of new work from experienced and first-time writers.”

Her appointment coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary and the beginning of its residency at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Southwark, south London, in January.

Featherstone, who began in her new role as artistic director of NTS earlier this month, said: “I am flattered that someone of Roxanna’s calibre and talent has agreed to become the new artistic director of Paines Plough. She is an inspirational director and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing where she takes Paines Plough.”