Brilliant fun on offer

IT MAY be about depression, but it’s not depressing.
The opening play of GPAC’s 2016 Deakin University Theatre Season is a warmly humorous look at a phenomenon becoming more prevalent in society.
Every Brilliant Thing is a funny new play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love.
Taking a different approach to a subject normally avoided, Every Brilliant Thing features British stand-up comedian Jonny Donahue in a one-man show – but with lots of audience participation.
The unlikely combination has become an international hit, described as uplifting, joyful, life-affirming and one of the funniest plays ever.
Donahoe plays a young boy who comes up with a long list of reasons why his suicidal mother should continue living: 1. Ice Cream; 2. Waterfights; 3. Staying up past bedtime and being allowed to watch TV; 4. The colour yellow; 5. Things with stripes; 6. People falling over.
As the boy grows, so does the list, and what began as a simple way of dealing with tragedy becomes a life-long reminder that joy can be found in the seemingly insignificant.
“The only way to really talk about depression is to do it while smiling,” Donahoe says.
“And the only way to deal with it is to talk to people and to share it and to realise how common it is and how normal it is, takes out some of the stigma.”
Presenting the play in the round is the key, Donahoe says.
“You can see everyone around you, so we create a sense of community.
“There are lots of ways of helping depression – treatments, medicines, all sorts of things – but the one thing you can do as a non-professional is to encourage communication, sharing, and talking.”
Written by award winning playwright Duncan Macmillan in collaboration with Donahoe, Every Brilliant Thing comes to Geelong from critically acclaimed seasons in Edinburgh and New York.
The play began life as a short story written by Macmillian, evolved into an exhibition and a Facebook group gathering followers and contributions from around the world and finally, an international stage play.
Geelong audiences will have their chance to add to the list of things worth living for when Every Brilliant Thing opens in the Drama Theatre for six performances from 23 to 27 February. Book at gpac.org.au or 5225 1200.