Swallow

A haunting exploration of migration, identity, and belonging.

For audiences interested in stories of displacement.

About the Ebook

'Who said smashing things up was a bad thing?'

Three strangers are about to face their demons head on. Balanced precariously on the tipping point, they might just be able to save one another – if they can only overcome their urge to self-destruct.

Passionate, painful and playful, Stef Smith's Swallow takes a long, hard look at the extremes of everyday life. The play premiered at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, as part of the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it received a Scotsman Fringe First Award. It was directed by Traverse Artistic Director Orla O'Loughlin, and featured original music by LAWholt.

Reviews

'[A] bloody great bruise of a play which borrows, magpie-like, from Sarah Kane but which is always distinctively itself. It has a shard-like lyricism that tears through the heart. It finds the comic in the tragic... a shattering 80 minutes' Guardian

'In a relatively short space of time Stef Smith has established herself as a remarkably diverse and elusive playwright… her most assured to date' The Times

'Dazzlingly deft… there are so many reasons to love this piece… a must-see' Independent

'Smith's script is dense with tense and memorable imagery… packed with powerful language'
The Stage

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Powerful portrait of the immigrant experience.
• Lyrical exploration of home and belonging.
• Published by Nick Hern Books, leading contemporary theatre publisher.
• Theatre that transcends borders.

About the Author

Stef Smith is a playwright whose work includes: The Outrun, adapted from Amy Liptrot's memoir (Edinburgh International Festival, 2024); Enough (Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, 2019); Nora : A Doll's House (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, 2019; revived at Young Vic, London, 2020); Girl in the Machine (Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, 2017); Human Animals (Royal Court Theatre, London, 2016); Swallow (Traverse Theatre, 2015); Remote (NT Connections 2015); And The Beat Goes On (Random Accomplice/Horsecross); Cured (The Arches, Glasgow); Woman of the Year (Òran Mór); Grey Matter (Lemon Tree, Aberdeen); Falling/Flying (Tron, Glasgow); Roadkill (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 2010 & 2011).

Awards include: Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland for Best New Production, Amnesty International Expression of Freedom Award, Herald Angel Award, Total Theatre Award for Innovation, The Scotsman Fringe First Award (Roadkill); Scottish Arts Club Theatre Award for Drama, The Scotsman Fringe First Award (Swallow).

She has been awarded the New Playwright Award by Playwrights Studio, Scotland. Stef was a member of the Royal Court National Writers Group in 2013. She is an Associate Artist at the Traverse Theatre.

Publication Details

Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Publication Date: 01 August 2015

Print Length: 64 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781780016542

Format: Ebook

Language: English

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can't see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.