U of I to present 'Every Brilliant Thing' in honor of suicide awareness

MOSCOW, Idaho — In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week, University of Idaho will host two performances of “Every Brilliant Thing” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Forge Theater in Moscow.

The play, which includes discussions of suicide and depression, is sponsored by Idaho Repertory Theatre, the Dean of Students Office and Vandal Health Education.

The script, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donohoe, explores themes of mental health awareness in a play the Guardian describes as “one of the funniest plays you'll ever see about depression — and possibly one of the funniest plays you'll ever see, full stop.”

Life is full of momentous events, highs and lows, triumphs and losses, but rarely has such a broad range of universal emotions been captured so lovingly and humorously in such a brilliant, tiny package.

This life-affirming play will make you grin from ear to ear, move you to laughter and at times bring you to tears. By the end, you will want to hug your neighbors, call your loved ones and then put on your favorite piece of music and recount all your blessings.

Craig A. Miller from the U of I Department of Theatre stars in this one-actor show.

“I think one of the most important takeaways from the play is just how prevalent mental health issues are in the lives of every single person who comes to sit in the audience and watch this beautiful play,” Miller said. “None of us are untouched by mental health challenges, whether it is ourselves or someone who is close to us. I think it also helps to combat the negative stigma associated with certain mental health diagnoses and reminds people that help is out there.”

This is the third consecutive year that “Every Brilliant Thing” is being produced at U of I in connection with suicide awareness.

The shows are free, and tickets can be reserved online.

The Forge Theater is located at 404 Sweet Ave.

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Media contact:

Alisa Volz
Communications Specialist
Department of Theatre Arts & Lionel Hampton School of Music
208-885-5627
avolz@uidaho.edu