Theatr Soar, Theatre Uncut and the Sherman Theatre will present the first live performances
of The Merthyr Stigmatist by Lisa Parry at Theatr Soar in Merthyr Tydfil.
Following the highly acclaimed digital presentation of the play in May 2020 at the Sherman
Theatre the original production with the original cast will now we presented live for the first
time.
The Merthyr Stigmatist is a co-production with Theatr Soar, Theatre Uncut with support
from the Sherman Theatre having been shortlisted for the inaugural Theatre Uncut Political
Playwriting Award. This presentation has been made possible with support from the Creu
Cyffro fund.
Taking place in a Merthyr Tydfil classroom, Parry’s exhilarating new play sees faith, reason
and politics collide when Carys, a sixteen year-old school pupil claims to have received the
wounds of Christ. Carys is convinced that her wounds are a sign from God and is crying
out to be heard. Siân, Carys’s teacher is not so sure. Filled with doubt, Siân believes
silencing Carys will keep her safe, but can she make sense of what is happening to her young
pupil?
This major new Welsh play has been brought to life under the direction of Emma Callander,
Theatre Uncut’s Artistic Director. The creative team for this presentation includes: Designer
Elin Steele (Woof, Sherman Theatre, Llyfr Glas Nebo, Cwmni Fran Wen), Merthyr based
Composer Eädyth, who recently collaborated on Sherman Theatre’s Heart of Cardiff audio
season, Sound Designer Ian Barnard (Alice in Wonderland, Sherman Theatre).
Theatre Uncut and the Sherman Theatre worked closely with Merthyr College staff and
students in the creation of the play in 2020, building on their previous projects Tydfil Tales
and Tydfil Truths.
The original cast include: Bethan Mary James (The Meaning of Zong, Bristol Old Vic, The
Beautiful Village The Abbey Theatre, Much Ado About Nothing, Tobacco Factory Theatre)
and Merthyr born and based actress Bethan McLean (Yr Amgueddfa).
Bethan McLean said: “It’s an absolute privilege to play Carys. She’s strong but vulnerable
and fiery with a sense of humour that makes her relatable to a lot of young people across
the Valleys and Merthyr.”
Lisa Parry said “When the play was originally produced, it was missing one vital element – a
live audience. I’ve always thought of Merthyr as the play’s third character so to stage it in its
home feels particularly special. It was the privilege of my life to watch the two Bethans
become their characters in the rehearsal room and I cannot wait for audiences to see how
mind-blowingly talented they are.”
Emma Callander said “I got shivers when I first read Lisa’s play, the story of a young girl in
the Welsh valleys screaming to be heard felt so vital and urgent. Lisa is a fierce,
uncompromising playwright who takes religion, culture and politics head on in this
extraordinary, ambitious play, and she does it with a sense of humour. We created the
Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award to support writers who are looking to explore the
big social issues of today and The Merthyr Stigmatist does exactly that in style. It is so right
that the first live audience to ever see the play will be in Merthyr at the brilliant Theatr
Soar.”
Theatr Soar’s Executive Director Lisbeth McLean has said “This production is inspirational, it
challenges perceptions of Merthyr and it’s people. Bringing the Merthyr Stigmatist to a
Merthyr stage was an important step for us, this play has the potential to influence.”
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