DOMINIC HILL’S departure as joint artistic director from Dundee Rep will usher in a new way of working with freelance directors, writes Joy Watters, arts reporter.

Hill is to take up the post of artistic director at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, the home of new writing, at the beginning of next year.

Chief executive and joint artistic director James Brining said yesterday that it was “fantastic” that Dominic was to remain in Scottish theatre.

“Obviously it is a loss to the Rep and we won’t be looking for another Dominic.

“We worked together here based on our previous friendship and knowledge of each other before living in Dundee,” said James.

The two worked together since their appointment in 2003 using their complementary skills and diverse experience.

When Dominic leaves, it was not felt appropriate to bring in another full-time artistic director.

“In the medium term we will take the opportunity to work with other directors in a freelance capacity.

“It will open up the energy of the company. The important thing is to ensure we make good work.

“I won’t be directing all the shows but will do more and will ask in collaborators.

“The ensemble is now in its ninth year and is a brilliant legacy from Hamish Glen (his predecessor at the Rep) and we will be developing it.”

There is to be another departure from the Rep as Nicola Young, head of marketing, is to head off to the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

This will re-unite her with Hamish Glen—the theatre’s artistic director and chief executive.

Nicola has been at the Rep for 12 years, first as a press officer then moving to marketing.

The Belgrade re-opens after 18 months of extensive renovation and expansion, overseen by Glen, next month.