The Merthyr Stigmatist

Is something incredible happening in Merthyr? Sixteen-year-old Carys claims to have received the stigmata: Christ's wounds from the Cross. Are her wounds a sign from God? Carys thinks so - she wants to tell the world and demands to be heard. Siân, her teacher, is not so sure, and believes silencing Carys will keep her safe. But can she make sense of what is happening to her student? The Merthyr Stigmatist is a fierce and exhilarating exploration of faith and truth, a hymn to community, and a testament to the power of young people. The play was shortlisted for the inaugural Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award, and first presented online in 2021, as a co-production between Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, and Theatre Uncut.

Lisa Parry is a playwright based in Cardiff, whose work has been widely performed by leading new-writing theatres throughout the UK. She was writer-in-residence at Theatr Clwyd and co-runs Illumine Theatre, writing their first production, 2023. 'Wonderfully written... it tackles a sensitive topic with intelligence and creativity. It is funny without being too light, and emotive without being too heavy'Wales Arts Review on 2023