It’s rare that a one person show whose central theme surrounds depression and suicide could be so uplifting, genuinely funny and engage an audience fully as part of its performance. That was exactly the experience on Friday, April 18 at the Humboldt and District Gallery as it played host to “Every Brilliant Thing,” staged by Burnt Thicket Theatre. The theatre in the round experience was the final show both for the production’s Saskatchewan run through the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, and the final Humboldt Show in the season’s OSAC lineup.
Saskatoon actress Elizabeth Nepjuk treated the audience to a tour-de-force as the never- named narrator and central figure. Despite the solo billing, Nepjuk spent little time alone on stage. Audience members were variously called upon to play roles, shout out entries from the list of “brilliant things,” and respond to other cues, including a brilliant recorded musical score. The audience members themselves were revelations with their quick-witted and honest responses to moments that were both uproariously funny and touchingly sombre.
Nepjuk deftly moved through the chronology of her character’s life, from precocious seven-year-old, to teenager, to young adult and college student, to a young woman meeting the love of her life, to middle age where her character runs aground under the weight of her experience and anxiety.
No matter how energized and mirthful the scene, there is always the shadow of her mother’s depression, family dysfunction and her valiant attempts to deal with her own guilt and sorrow. More than an up and down roller coaster of emotions, the responses are woven throughout the fabric of the piece, underscored by her parents’ favourite vinyl collection.
The main undercurrent is a list of all the wonderful things that make the character’s life worth living. As the audience is called upon to call out the items, the list takes on a life of its own, a presence within the piece that reminds us all of the best parts of life and the best parts of ourselves and each other. The audience is invited to think about what’s on their list and the importance of being that support to another in times of emotional need.
Through the audience interaction, the improvised fourth wall breaks, and the genuine laughter, the play has one stern, pivotal moment where Nepjuk delivers an imperative, “For anyone thinking of taking their own life, just don’t.” There’s too much substance on everyone’s list to give up in moments of misery.
The presentation was followed by a 10-minute talk back session where audience members could ask questions or express feelings. The evening was sponsored by the Humboldt Chapter of the Saskatchewan Social Work Association.
For those struggling with mental health issues, a printed listing of resources was made available. That listing is available by clicking this link.