UWTSD BA Perfformio students present Merthyr Stigmatist by Lisa Parry

25 February 2026

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s BA Perfformio programme will bring Merthyr Stigmatist, the acclaimed play by Welsh playwright Lisa Parry, to the stage.

Promotional Poster for Merthyr Stigmatist

Performances will take place at the Studio Theatre, Haywood House, Cardiff, on 26 and 27 March 2026, with shows at 12.30pm and 7.00pm.

Set in a Catholic secondary school classroom in Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Stigmatist follows sixteen-year-old Carys, who 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 play examines the tension between belief and authority, raising urgent questions about faith, truth, and whose voices are heard in contemporary society.

Written by Lisa Parry, Merthyr Stigmatist was shortlisted for the inaugural Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award and received its world premiere in 2021 as a fully staged co-production between Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, and Theatre Uncut. It has since been recognised as a significant contemporary Welsh play engaging with political, social and ethical debates.

Commenting on her play, Lisa Parry said:
“From the first draft, it’s always felt to me that this play is a scream to be heard, whilst also offering an alternative perspective to mainstream political discourse, young female Valleys’ voice, which feels increasingly needed and relevant.”

The production is staged by students from UWTSD’s BA Perfformio course, for whom the play offers challenging roles and complex themes that resonate strongly with young performers.

As part of the process, the student performers have had the opportunity to engage directly with the playwright and explore the social and cultural context of the work.

Students Martha and Elin said:

“We have enjoyed the period of working on the Merthyr Stigmatists, although we encountered a few challenges the team made sure that the experience was a valuable one. In addition to this, the exercises have been made fun and entertaining.”

Angharad Lee, Programme Director for the BA Perfformio course said:

“I’m absolutely delighted that we are staging the show. I can’t wait to see what the students come up with.”

Performances will take place at the Studio Theatre, Haywood House, Cardiff, on 26 and 27 March 2026, with shows at 12.30pm and 7.00pm. Tickets are available via UWTSD’s event tickets on TicketSource, with free tickets available for school bookings. Matinee performances are aimed at schools and colleges and will include post-show Q&A sessions with the cast and creative team.