To Pray Marvelously Well World Premiere 🌟 Spiritual Dialogue

The highly anticipated world premiere of

"To Pray Marvelously Well: The Spiritual Friendship of St. Edith Stein and St. Teresa of Avila"

is set to captivate audiences in the Kansas City area this month. This compelling one-woman show, a production of the Still Point Theatre Collective, offers a unique and inspiring exploration of two of Catholicism's most remarkable female figures. Bridging centuries in a profound spiritual dialogue.

The Production: A Fusion of Acclaimed Talent

This powerful theatrical experience is brought to life by a team with a strong history of engaging and thought-provoking work.

• Written by the acclaimed Chicago playwright, Jenny Magnus, the To Pray Marvelously Well script weaves together the historical journeys and spiritual insights of the two saints.
• Directed by Virginia Smith, the production promises a nuanced and intimate portrayal of their intertwined spiritual lives.
• Starring Lisa Wagner-Carollo, the actress who previously toured the world in the celebrated one-woman show, Haunted by God: The Life of Dorothy Day. Wagner-Carollo is known for her ability to embody complex, socially conscious spiritual figures. Making her the perfect choice to channel the profound experiences of both St. Teresa of Avila and St. Edith Stein.

Still Point Theatre Collective, known for its commitment to inspiring compassion, raising important social justice issues, and serving marginalized communities, ensures that this premiere will be more than just a performance—it will be an act of communal reflection and inspiration.

The Saints: Two Women of Courage and Conviction

The To Pray Marvelously Well production centers on the unlikely yet deeply connected spiritual lives of two Discalced Carmelite nuns. Separated by nearly 400 years. Their "spiritual friendship" is a testament to the timeless nature of the quest for truth, meaning, and ultimate communion with the divine.

St. Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

A Spanish mystic and religious reformer, St. Teresa of Avila remains one of the most significant figures in Christian spirituality. Her life was defined by ecstatic religious visions, a dedication to monastic renewal, and a prolific writing career.

• Reformer and Founder: She spearheaded a reform movement within the Carmelite Order, advocating for a stricter, more contemplative life, which led to the founding of the Discalced Carmelites with St. John of the Cross. This act was a powerful display of agency and leadership in a time when women's roles within the Church and society were strictly limited.
• Literary Legacy: Her seminal works of Christian mysticism, notably The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection, guide readers through the soul's journey toward union with God. Establishing her as a Doctor of the Church—a rare honor for a woman.

St. Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) (1891–1942)

Born Jewish in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), Edith Stein charted a remarkable path from intellectual pursuit to sacrificial sanctity.

• Philosopher and Convert: After losing her faith in her youth, she became a distinguished student of philosophy. Mastering the school of Phenomenology. Her intellectual search for truth found its unexpected fulfillment when she read the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. This powerful encounter spurred her conversion to Catholicism.
• Martyr and Patron Saint: She took her permanent vows as a Discalced Carmelite nun in 1938. Tragically, in 1942, she was martyred at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, a victim of the Holocaust. Her life, ending in profound self-sacrifice, offers a powerful modern echo of the themes of suffering and ultimate devotion. She is recognized as one of the six patron saints of Europe.

The To Pray Marvelously Well play highlights the pivotal role Teresa's writing played in Stein's conversion. Establishing an inter-generational bond that transcends historical context, culture, and death.

Relevance to Women's Struggles and Social Justice

The lives of St. Teresa and St. Edith Stein, as presented by the Still Point Theatre Collective, resonate deeply with the broader history of women's struggle for agency, voice, and spiritual equality. Connecting them to contemporary movements like Ada's Army and theological discussions around Jesus and women's rights.

Women's Agency and Leadership

Both saints were intellectual powerhouses and formidable leaders:

• Teresa reformed an entire religious order, challenging powerful male figures within the Church to establish a new, rigorous vision for contemplative life.
• Edith Stein was a brilliant academic who sought to reconcile profound philosophical thought with her deep faith. Her pursuit of truth, regardless of the societal barriers of being a woman and a Jew in early 20th-century academia, is a powerful feminist statement.

Their stories exemplify the truth that women’s spiritual and intellectual contributions are not secondary, but foundational to human progress.

Interlinking with Contemporary Movements

This theme of female agency aligns with the goals of movements like Ada's Army, which mobilizes to champion women’s rights, female equality, and visibility. Particularly in STEM fields, in a nod to computing pioneer Ada Lovelace. Including the art world to turn STEM into full STEAM ahead for Ada’s Army. Aligning similar grassroots efforts underscoring the worldwide struggle to acknowledge, amplify, and act on the contributions and rights of women.

Jesus himself was a revolutionary advocate for women's dignity. His radical interactions with women—treating them as theological equals and empowering them with important roles in his ministry—challenged the patriarchal norms of his time. The play’s focus on the female spiritual friendship of the two Carmelite saints serves as a continuation of this legacy. Showcasing the inherent power, wisdom, and leadership that faith has often unlocked in women. Even when institutional structures have sought to restrict it. The spiritual dialogue between St. Teresa and St. Edith Stein becomes a metaphor for women across all generations seeking and affirming their purpose and truth.

Premiere Performance Details 🎭

This inspiring new production offers two opportunities for viewing during its world premiere weekend:

A free will offering will be collected at both To Pray Marvelously Well performances. Inviting the community to support the arts and this profound narrative of spiritual courage and friendship.