Archived

Every
Brilliant Thing

By Duncan Macmillan
with Jonny Donahoe
Director Kate Champion Co-Director Steve Rodgers

  • Venue Riverside Paramatta
  • Dates 3 – 6 April
  • Duration Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes

    Let’s start way back when. Mum’s depressed – she’s in a place so dark it’s confronting for a child, so her daughter starts compiling a list of every brilliant thing in life – a child’s reasons to help mum keep going. Now it’s 20 years later and the child’s grown up. But she’s still compiling her list. What started as a naïve way of getting through the day has become a profound truth – that the sublime can be found in the everyday.

    Every Brilliant Thing is a unique and beautiful play for a solo actor, who tells her story with the help of people in the audience. We’re bringing this powerful piece of theatre to Riverside Parramatta with production co-director and prolific Belvoir actor – Steve Rodgers – as the solo performer.

    This gem of a show was designed to be uplifting, and it does it brilliantly. It is a pure celebration of life, played out in a simple, utterly surprising way.

    “One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression – and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop.” – THE GUARDIAN

    Supported by the Nelson Meers Foundation

    Every Brilliant Thing was first produced by Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre, on 28 June 2013 at Ludlow Fringe Festival.

    Warning: This production contains references to self-harm and suicide.

    If Every Brilliant Thing has raised any concerns for you following the performance, Lifeline offers a 24 hour counselling service and can be reached at 13 11 14. Additional information can be found on their website, www.lifeline.org.au. Other services which may be of assistance include mental health advocacy organisation, Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au, 1300 224 636), and youth mental health foundation, Headspace (www.headspace.org.au). You may also consider speaking to a trusted source or engaging your local GP.

    Team

    Set & Costume Designer Isabel Hudson
    Lighting Designer Amelia Lever-Davidson
    Sound Designer Steve Francis
    Stage Manager Luke McGettigan

    Videos

    • Podcast

      Director Kate Champion and Riverside performer Steve Rodgers discuss with set designer Isabel Hudson and Belvoir performer Kate Mulvany, the enduring and quietly powerful nature of Every Brilliant Thing and it’s exploration of mental illness. Podcast produced by Zoe Ferguson.

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