|
Sherman
Theatre and Theatre Uncut presents: The Merthyr Stigmatist Faith,
reason and politics collide in online world premiere of new play shortlisted
for the inaugural Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award DIGITAL
WORLD PREMIERE Written by Lisa Parry | Directed by Emma Callander Streaming from 27th May – 12th June @ShermanTheatre @TheatreUncut | #TheMerthyrStigmatist |
The Merthyr Stigmatist will be presented in a co-production with
Theatre Uncut this Spring as a
fully-staged digital production recorded in the Sherman Theatre Studio. Wales-based playwright Lisa Parry’s play
was shortlisted for the inaugural Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award, and the show will be directed by Theatre Uncut’s
Co-Artistic Director Emma Callander to mark the tenth anniversary of the
company's founding.
Taking place in a Merthyr Tydfil classroom, The Merthyr Stigmatist 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?
Following an open
call out, Merthyr Tydfil born and raised actor Bethan McLean makes her
professional debut in the role of Carys. The
cast for this two-hander is completed by fellow Welsh actress Bethan
Mary-James in the role of school teacher Siân. Bethan recently appeared in
the digital production of Antigone by
the Sherman’s Company in Residence PowderHouse, which formed part of Network
Play Readings series with Sherman Theatre and National Theatre Wales in
partnership with BBC Wales and BBC Arts. Other theatre credits include Much
Ado About Nothing at Tobacco Factory Theatres and Future For Beginners at
Wales Millennium Centre. Bethan’s TV credits include Channel 4’s comedy Friday Night Dinner.
Sherman Theatre has established meaningful
links with communities in Merthyr Tydfil over recent years through projects including Tydfil
Tales and Tydfil Truths. Through an extensive creative engagement programme
supporting the release of the play, the Sherman will build on those
connections.
Writer
Lisa Parry said “Theatre’s starting to come back but we’re coming back into a very
different world. Whose stories should we now be telling? Who gets to tell them?
At its heart is the voice of a girl in an overlooked town, desperately wanting
to be heard and valued. And as theatre ghost lights remained switched on, I felt
her voice was at risk of being muffled and yet it kept screaming relentlessly
in my head. I’m grateful this production is letting that voice out; and that a
new play from Wales is determinedly finding its way into the world too as our
theatre buildings remain closed to the public. I’m really proud to be working
with Theatre Uncut and the Sherman Theatre who’ve decided to embrace this new
world with this production, which – whilst I promise some comedy and I
absolutely adore both characters more than I can say – does feel at times like
a gauntlet and a plea to think about whose voices we listen to and who we
choose to be.”
Sherman Theatre and Theatre Uncut have
assembled a formidable creative team to bring this major new Welsh play to life under the direction of Emma Callander, Theatre
Uncut’s Co-Artistic Director. The creative team includes: Designer Elin Steele
(Woof, Sherman Theatre, Llyfr Glas Nebo, Cwmni Fran Wen),
Composer Eädyth, who recently collaborated on Sherman Theatre’s Heart of
Cardiff audio season, Sound Designer Ian Barnard (Alice in Wonderland,
Sherman Theatre) and Lighting Designer Andy Pike (Lose Yourself, Sherman
Theatre). Carli De'La Hughes will join the team as Assistant Director, a development opportunity
supported by Ashley Family Foundation.
Director Emma Callander said “I got shivers when I first read this story of
a young girl in the Welsh valleys screaming to be heard. It felt vital and
urgent. I am so pleased that we are able to bring this play to the stage,
particularly in these most challenging of times. 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.”
Sherman Theatre’s Artistic Director, Joe
Murphy said “I am so delighted
to finally be able to share Lisa’s important play with our audiences. We always
intended to stage this co-production with Theatre Uncut in front of live
audiences in our Studio. However, as the months have passed and as restrictions
continue we felt that it was essential to be able to give our audiences a fully
staged production and the kind of thought-provoking, powerful experience they
have come to expect from us to enjoy at home, on demand. This timely play about
the need to listen to unheard voices encapsulates what the Sherman is all
about. I can’t wait to see what this exceptional team will create.”
Running Time: TBC
Please note that this play discusses adult themes,
includes scenes which some audience members may find upsetting and contains
strong language. If you require any further guidance or assistance, please
email box.office@shermantheatre.co.uk
Company information
Directed by Emma Callander Written
by Lisa Parry
Design by Elin Steele Lighting design by Andy Pike
Music composed by Eädyth Sound design by Ian Barnard
Assistant directed by Carli De’La Hughes
Cast
Siân Bethan Mary-James Carys Bethan McLean
Listings
information
Streaming
27th May – 12th June
Tickets
from £7.50: www.shermantheatre.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment