A brilliant play on mental health

There is magic in the written word.

In Every Brilliant Thing, which was written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe and is getting a retelling by The Junction’s founder Gautam Goenka, a child stumbles upon an idea to help his chronically depressed mum feel better. It is to write down all the brilliant things in life, things that make life worth living for.

The play follows the little narrator as he adds to this line-up as he grows up. Goenka, who will be the only actor on stage in this production, says, “The audience is the other character in Every Brilliant Thing .In fact, the viewer isn’t even in the dark. The lights stay up on them throughout the play. The audience members are given tasks and are expected to be a part of the show.” Tickets to see Every Brilliant Thing, which runs from September 2-4 at The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai at 7.30pm, are Dh100.