Edinburgh Festival Day 6 & 7: Theatre Award

Today we publish the first Independent Theatre Award shortlist. This award is made in conjunction with Hampstead Theatre, London, where the winner will receive a showcase run in late autumn. A further shortlist will appear next Saturday; the winner will be announced in Week 3 of the festival.

And After A gentle love story with a twist, beautifully performed by a Bosnian-French duo. Demarco Euro Art Foundation, St Mary's School (venue 22), Albany St. 031-556 7128. To 21 Aug.

On the Verge of Exploding Ex-Trestle member John Wright's new company with a clown theatre piece about a mother-daughter relationship. Pleasance (venue 33), 60 The Pleasance. 031-556 6550. To 4 Sept.

Roll-a-Pea Evocative telling of an ancient fable of good and evil by the Polish company Teatr Wierszalin. Theatre Workshop (venue 20), 34 Hamilton Place. 031-226 5425. To 4 Sept.

Sleeping With You Alternately touching and tough gay love story from Hawaii's Starving Artists. Traverse (venue 15), Cambridge St, 031-228 1404. To 22 Aug.

Soiree Brilliantly choreographed dance-theatre by Yvette Bozsik from Hungary: a lavish party turns into an evening in hell. Demarco European Art Foundation, St Mary's School (venue 22), Albany St. 031-556 7128. Run specially extended with extra performances on 22 Aug at 10.45pm and 23, 24 Aug at both 1.15pm and 6.45pm.