Senior drama students got to be a test audience for a rehearsal of a new professional theatre show launching in Dunedin next week.
Every Brilliant Thing is about a child who creates a list of "everything that's brilliant about the world" to help their mother, who is struggling with depression.
From the producers of Prima Facie comes the Dunedin Première of the show. Written as a one person play, this production will feature Dunedin comedians Harriet Moir and Gregory Cooper performing in rotation throughout the season.
This unique and critically acclaimed play has become a global phenomenon, playing over 80 countries worldwide. Says director Lara Macgregor; “This play is truly special in that it is part script, part improvisation, and a whole lot of shared experience. Opening on World Suicide Prevention Day, EBT doesn’t shy away from talking about depression in the most funny, uplifting, and deeply human way. I cannot wait to laugh and cry, and cry with laughter, alongside our Dunedin audiences.”
This week, our Year 12 and 13 drama students were kindly asked to be a test audience for this show, before it opens on September 10th. Actor Harriet Moir, as well as director Lara Macgregor, and sound designer and technician Tabitha Littlejohn, transformed the drama room into a theatre-in-the-round space for the performance. This was a fantastic and immersive experience for all. The show featured so many funny moments, but also heartwarming and deeply moving ones as well. Overall, the show has a life-affirming message.
One of the writers, Jonny Donahoe, said:
"You cannot get through life without an experience of depression, whether that means suffering from it yourself or knowing a loved one who is going through it. So talking about depression is absolutely vital but it’s a bloody difficult thing to do. Hopefully we’ve built something that makes that just a tiny bit easier. But if you’re reading this and about to experience the play for the very first time, don’t concern yourself with any of that – just come with us and enjoy the story."
Every Brilliant Thing is a show not to be missed!
ALL BOOKINGS at Try Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/YIV
Tickets: Full $45, Concession $35, +6 Groups $35, Under 30’s/Actors’ Equity $30, Secondary School Students $25
Note: The play includes discussions of suicide and depression, and the age recommendation is 12+
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