Review: Still Here by Mari Lloyd - A Heartfelt Triumph
Last nights performance of ‘Still Here’ at the historic Blackwood Miners’ Institute transported the audience to the heart of a Welsh ex-mining town, where the weight of the past clashes with the uncertain dreams of the future. Mari Lloyd’s observational writing, coupled with an incredibly talented cast, delivered a play that is both deeply moving and unexpectedly humorous.
At its core, Still Here is a study in contrasts: tradition versus change, dreams versus reality, and connection versus isolation. Lloyd has an unerring knack for capturing the nuances of family life. The struggles of Rhys, an aspiring boxer, whose emotions and family dynamics cause inner turmoil and breakdowns in personal relationships. Meanwhile, Yasmin’s vibrant energy contrasts with her internal struggles to find a place and people of her own she can call home.
The direction by Julia Stubbs deserves particular praise for its ability to balance the play’s moments of levity with its heavier emotional beats. A standout scene, where Rhys and Yasmin finally turn to communicate face to face as the play reaches its emotionally charged conclusion is inspiring.
The performances were equally compelling. Phillip John Jones as Rhys was a powerhouse, capturing the exuberance of youth alongside the vulnerability of a young man grappling with his identity and emotions. Yasmin was brought to life with sharp wit and charm by Emma Kaler, who commanded the stage in every scene she was in.
Lloyd has crafted a piece that feels specific to Welsh culture yet is actually universal, while grounded in the culture and challenges of a Welsh community it resonant far beyond its setting. The themes of cultural identity, generational struggles, and the desire to forge a path in life are beautifully articulated and performed.
Still Here is not just a play—it’s an experience that lingers in the heart long after you leave the theatre. Mari Lloyd’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of Welsh storytelling to connect, challenge, and inspire Welsh writers to pickup the mantle and forge their own stories of what it means to be Welsh.
