It’s unusual for a play about suicide to be uplifting. But Duncan Macmillan’s wise little one-person play about a method devised by one individual to not only cope with the trauma of such an event in his life, but also with other of life’s tribulations, certainly leaves its audience glowing.
Actually, it’s a bit misleading to describe this play as one-person, because in Joel Horwood’s production the audience becomes enthusiastic participants, almost unwittingly, as story-teller, Jarrad West gently weaves them into his story.
Indeed it is watching how various members of the audience respond to their opportunities is one of the unexpected pleasures of this production.
Presented in the round, with the audience seated in a circle around a central draped set-piece, engenders a sense of intimacy. Scattered around the circumference are several similarly draped set-pieces, their purpose revealed as the story unfolds.
West is a consummate story-teller as well as a skilled actor. His friendly interaction in warmly welcoming audience members as they arrive, while surreptitiously planning who will be invited to undertake particular tasks, successfully dissipates any natural reluctance to participate. His choices are vital to the success of the production.
His skill in insuring that no one was embarrassed, and that their contribution would be appreciated, was quickly recognised, resulting in some remarkable spontaneous moments as the audience became more and more invested in the story-telling.
Indeed at this performance the audience member asked to give a speech at his gay son’s wedding elicited tears and cheers from the audience for his impromptu, heart-felt effort.
The teller’s story begins when he is just 7 years of age, and progresses through various pivotal stages of his life. West skilfully portrays these stages without resorting to caricature or actorly flourishes. Instead he allows the wit and originality of Macmillan’s writing to shine through.
In this he is aided by Horwood’s unobtrusive, perceptive direction and clever use of sound, which ensured that the storytelling never became static and that the serious moments hit their mark.
Definitely entertaining, even occasionally moving, Every Brilliant Thing is an engaging play, given an intelligent, thoughtful production by ACT Hub, that is guaranteed to leave its audience charmed and uplifted.
Every Brilliant Thing
ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston (Canberra)
Performance: Wednesday 21 August 2024
Season continues to 25 August 2024
Information and Bookings: www.acthub.com.au
Image: Jarrad West in Every Brilliant Thing – photo by Photox: Canberra Photography Service
Review: Bill Stephens OAM