From page to stage: The creatives behind STILL HERE
Mari Lloyd – Playwright
What inspired you to write STILL HERE, and how much of it draws from your personal experiences?
“STILL HERE was born from a need to tell a story that felt authentic to my experiences and the experiences of so many others. It’s a story about resilience, identity, and belonging—universal themes, but told through a distinctly Welsh lens. The landscapes, the people, and the humour that come with being Welsh all feed into the play’s atmosphere.”
What themes or messages do you hope audiences take away from the play?
“I want audiences to feel seen. I hope STILL HERE speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place, underestimated, or like they had to fight to be heard. It’s a play about pushing forward despite the odds.”
Julia Stubbs – Director & Producer
What drew you to directing STILL HERE, and what was your vision for bringing it to life?
“Mari’s script is incredibly powerful, and I was drawn to the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. My vision was to create a production that feels raw and intimate, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the story.”
How did you approach working with Mari to develop the script for the stage?
“Collaboration was key. We worked closely to refine the dialogue and staging, ensuring that the story translated effectively from page to performance while staying true to Mari’s vision.”
Emma Kaler – Actor (Yasmin)
Can you tell us a bit about your character Yasmin and what drew you to the role?
“Yasmin is a complex, strong-willed character who is navigating big life changes. As a Welsh-Indian actress from Cardiff, I saw parts of my own experiences in her journey, and that connection made the role feel very personal.”
How does your own background influence your approach to the character?
“Representation in theatre matters, and I love that Yasmin’s story is rooted in a modern Welsh setting while also reflecting wider universal themes. I hope audiences see parts of themselves in her.”
Phillip John Jones – Actor (Rhys)
Why should people come and see STILL HERE?
It’s a new piece of working-class Welsh writing. There’s not a lot of it around—ironically, not even in Wales.
"It’s moving, funny, and I bet you’ll know someone just like the characters in your day-to-day. Might even remind you of yourself as a kid."
STILL HERE and its importance to Welsh theatre and creatives
Welsh theatre is at an exciting moment, with an increasing focus on supporting emerging playwrights and diverse stories. STILL HERE is part of this movement, proving that authentic Welsh voices deserve to be heard on stages across the country.
By touring across seven venues in South Wales, the production brings theatre to communities that may not always have access to new work, reinforcing the importance of accessibility and representation in the arts, something that is very important to Creative Cardiff through projects like Creative Industries Cluster Hubs (LINK).
As the play continues its run, STILL HERE demonstrates the power of storytelling and the importance of making space for underrepresented voices in Welsh theatre. You can watch the final shows of STILL HERE on Friday 28 March at 7.00 pm at Cwmavon Village Hall (tickets here) and Saturday 29 March at 7.00 pm Tylorstown Welfare Hall (tickets here).
