Acclaimed Play “Every Brilliant Thing” Opens in Dunedin

A poignant and humorous exploration of depression is set to captivate audiences in Dunedin with the upcoming performance of Every Brilliant Thing. This critically acclaimed play by Duncan Macmillan (with Jonny Donahoe) will run from September 10 to 21, 2023, at Dunedin North Intermediate, with a special performance at Waitati Hall on September 16.

The narrative centers around a seven-year-old child whose mother is hospitalized due to mental health struggles. In an effort to uplift her, the child creates a list of everything worthwhile in life, leaving it on her mother’s pillow. The list serves as a lifeline, and the mother’s engagement with it—correcting the child’s spelling—reflects a shared journey through challenging times.

Described as “heart-wrenching” and “one of the funniest plays about depression you’ll see,” Every Brilliant Thing features a unique format that combines scripted dialogue with improvisation, allowing for a deeply personal experience. Lara Macgregor, the director, articulated the play’s significance, especially as it opens on World Suicide Prevention Day. She remarked, “This production does not shy away from discussing depression in a funny, uplifting, and profoundly human manner.”

The performance promises an intimate setting, with the actor situated in the center of the auditorium, surrounded by the audience. Minimal staging—consisting of a chair, a rug, cushions, blankets, and lamps—will create a “living room” atmosphere that fosters a direct connection between the performer and viewers. Macgregor emphasized the simplicity of this engagement, noting, “It will be very intimate.”

Lasting approximately 75 minutes, this production stems from Macmillan’s short story Sleeve Notes. Over a decade, Macmillan, Donahoe, and George Perrin collaborated to evolve it into a full-length play, which has since achieved global recognition, being performed in over 80 countries.

This marks the second production by Birds of a Feather Theatre Company in Dunedin. Last year, Macgregor directed Prima Facie by Suzie Miller, an impactful one-woman play that received acclaim for its quality and the courage required to stage such a challenging narrative.

For those in need of support, resources are available. Individuals can call or text 1737 at any time to connect with a trained counselor. Additional support can be reached through Lifeline at 0800 543 354 or by texting HELP to 4357. The Suicide Crisis Helpline can be contacted at 0508 828 865.

The opening of Every Brilliant Thing not only promises to entertain but also aims to spark essential conversations about mental health, making it a must-see for the Dunedin community.