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show that tackles the dark topic of depression and suicide, peppered with comedy, ends its short season in Whanga¯rei on Saturday, and will then be staged at the Ra¯ wene Town Hall on Saturday week, May 15.
Described by the Guardian as “One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression — and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop”, Every Brilliant Thing was written in the UK, but has been adapted for New Zealand audiences by Auckland’s Silo Theatre, which has brought it to Northland as part of a national tour.
Founder and trustee of Whanga¯rei’s OneOneSix, Laurel Devenie, saw the play in Auckland and was instrumental in bringing it north.
“I knew immediately it would appeal to audiences here — it is accessible, delicate, and quite irresistible,” she said.
“It touches on current, challenging conversations and appeals to a huge age range. OneOneSix is excited to be finally hosting a work from Silo
Theatre who are one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary professional theatre companies.”
The 75 minute show has a cast of one — seasoned performer Jason Te Kare, with his audience wrapped around the stage.
Described as a “warm, deep hug”, the show is about depression, loss and discovering beautiful moments. As Te Kare welcomes the audience into the theatre, they are charged to help list every brilliant thing that sparks joy in life, from bumper boats and stuffing from a hang¯ı to peeing in the sea when nobody knows.
While the actor and audience together recount every brilliant thing on an ever-expanding and lifeaffirming list, Te Kare’s character recounts his own struggles, balancing the light against the dark.
Since its 2014 debut, the “international sensation” has been a hit with audiences, and Silo Theatre’s adaptation has been described by the NZ Herald as a “flawless production”, earning countless standing ovations.
Te Kare said he was honoured to take it on tour to Northland.
“This show is important for all New Zealanders. It raises really important issues in a playful and meaningful way. I can’t wait to embrace and uplift the audiences in Northland with the positivity that this show radiates with. It really is a brilliant thing,” he said.
Devenie said the OneOneSix team aimed to bring Northland “great, interesting contemporary stories, and this really meets that.”
“I think we’re constantly having a conversation about mental wellbeing and raising awareness around that, and those issues that lots of people in our community are facing, and this is a way of opening a conversation about it. But you go away feeling really warmed by it. It’s a very inclusive piece as well. It can be really raw, and you have to tread carefully, and (Te Kare) does walk that line really well.”
Tickets available from eventfinda.