Celebrating the Small Joys of Living
By Tom PorterThe department of theater and dance recently staged a production of Every Brilliant Thing—a play exploring themes of mental illness and suicide as a child creates a list of everything wonderful in the world to help their mother cope with depression.
The Bowdoin production featured four student actors, all playing their own version of the role of narrator at different times, explained Assistant Professor of Theater Lindsay Livingston, who directed the play, which is known for its immersive and interactive nature.
“This one-person show follows the narrator as they try to grapple with their mother’s mental illness and suicide attempts. At age seven, after their mother’s first hospitalization, the narrator begins the list, which becomes the backbone for this beautiful play about how we find grace and joy in all the millions of brilliant things that life offers us every day,” she said.
“The play is based on improvisation and engaging with the audience—true storytelling theater at its most elemental,” added Livingston, “with each actor bringing her/their/his own experiences to the process.”
That list of “brilliant things” compiled by the child/narrator includes ice cream, water fights, staying up past your bedtime, rollercoasters, and people falling over.
Enjoy this slideshow of images from the production, courtesy of photographer James A. Hadley:
ALSO: If you missed the recent production of Every Brilliant Thing, there will be additional performances in April and May at venues across Maine, including Portland Stage, The Chocolate Church in Bath, The Barn in Yarmouth, and Magee’s Pub on campus. Please check the theater and dance department website for information and to get tickets.