Gqeberha theatregoers are in for a treat this August as the critically acclaimed play “Every Brilliant Thing” makes its way to The Music Kitchen.
This heartwarming production, praised by The Independent for striking “a perfect balance between conveying the struggles of life, and celebrating all that is sweet in it,” is set to offer a unique and deeply moving experience to the local audience on August 7.
A Heartfelt Journey
Directed by the talented Jeff Brooker and featuring the versatile Miguel de Sampaio, “Every Brilliant Thing” explores life’s simple joys and the extraordinary lengths we go to for those we love. The story begins with a seven-year-old boy whose mother is hospitalized after a suicide attempt. To help her find hope and joy, he starts a list of everything brilliant about the world. This list evolves from simple pleasures like ice cream, water fights, and staying up past bedtime to watch TV, to quirky items like old people holding hands. As the boy matures, the list transforms into a touching testament to the power of positivity in adversity.
The play, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, is performed as a one-man show by the dynamic Miguel de Sampaio. The production unfolds in an immersive “in-the-round” setting, where audience members are invited to participate in the recitation of items on the list, creating a shared and deeply wholesome experience.
Critical Acclaim
“Every Brilliant Thing” has garnered rave reviews from critics. The Guardian described it as “[A] heart-wrenching, hilarious play… One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression—and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see full stop.” Time Out London echoed these sentiments, calling it “Filled to the brim with joy…beautiful, heart-wrenching and very funny.”
The Team Behind the Magic
Miguel de Sampaio’s artistic journey began in 2015, and he honed his craft at the LAMTA from 2020 to 2022. Under the guidance of Emeritus Prof. Chris Weare, he portrayed Hendrik Högen in “Mephisto” (2021) and Dev in “Stupid F*cking Bird” (2022). In his debut year as a freelance professional, Miguel graced various productions, including his role as Peter Pan in MSC Sinfonia’s “Journey to Neverland” (2022), the enigmatic Herb in “Ember” (2023), and captivating dance performances in “Dark Hearts” (2023), “Come Together” (2023), and “Vintage Jukebox” (2023).
Director Jeff Brooker, founder & Executive Producer of Jeff Brooker Productions, seamlessly blends creativity, finance, and logistics to inform his work in the arts. His multifaceted investment in directing, design, and production management has contributed to award-winning productions like The Syringa Tree, Constellations, and How to Hold the World.
Duncan Macmillan, known for his plays dealing with contemporary socio-political issues, co-wrote “Every Brilliant Thing” with Jonny Donahoe, an Irish stand-up comedian and actor known for blurring the line between art and real life. Donahoe has performed “Every Brilliant Thing” more than 300 times.
Tour Dates & Details
- 6 August 2024: St Francis Links, St Francis Bay
- Time: 19:00
- Tickets: R150 (Available at Quicket)
- 7 August 2024: The Music Kitchen, Gqeberha
- Time: 19:00
- Tickets: R150 (Available at Quicket)
- 8 August 2024: Studio 42, Sedgefield
- Time: 18:30
Tickets: R150 (Available at Quicket)
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