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WEYBURN - The hit comedy ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ will be performed on the Cugnet Centre stage Monday, March 31, presented by the Weyburn Concert Series and the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council.

The play is written by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe, and stars Elizabeth Nepjuk.

“It is a hilarious and moving story filled with joy, grief, love, tears, and hope. And really good music,” said Nepjuk.

Based on true and untrue stories, the astonighingly funny, unforgettable solo performance dives deep into mental health and the lengths some go for the people they love.

According to details on the poster, the play is focused around when “you’re seven years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s ‘done something stupid’. She finds it hard to be happy. You start a list of everything worth living for. You leave the list on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Twenty years and thousands of things later, the list takes on a life of its own.”

There is an interactive part of the play as well. “Just before the play begins the storyteller will invite anyone who would like to read aloud one of the items on her list of every brilliant thing,” said Stephen Waldschmidt, artistic director. “Patrons who say yes will get a slip of paper or post it note with a number and an item. So when Elizabeth says in the show, for example, ‘Number 26’, the person with #26 will read aloud, ‘Peeing in the lake and nobody knows!’ Or with ‘Number 525,924’, they will read, ‘Track seven on every great album!’ But it’s important to emphasize that audience members do not have to read a list item unless they choose to volunteer.”

“That interactive element with the list creates a playful back and forth banter with the audience that is new and fresh with every show, especially as patrons react to various list items with laughter or their own unique verbal comments. We also hold a ten minute long talk-back with the artists after each show. So in the curtain call, we invite audiences to stick around for a conversation, then take a five minute break so anyone can leave if they’d prefer, and then Elizabeth and our stage manager Sam will lead a brief discussion with questions for the audience about their experiences of the play,” said Waldschmidt.

“In an age of uncertainty, fear, and heightened anxiety, people are feeling disconnected, afraid, and alone. Now, more than ever, we need to see examples of connection and vulnerability. This show talks frankly and personally about things that many people have in common but are tentative to share because of stigmas around mental health. We need to be reminded of others’ and our own humanity, and we need to talk to each other,” said Nepjuk.

Tickets for ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ are available at the Weyburn Review/Weyburn This Week office, and Old Fashion Foods. Audience Advisory: This play contains discussions about severe depression and suicide, not suitable for young children. Recommended for ages 14+.

‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is part of the OSAC 2024/2025 Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series. OSAC presents over 300 live community and school performances annually, attended by a total audience of approximately 75,000, made possible by funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries administered by SaskCulture and Canadian Heritage.