A LIST of a million things that make life wonderful, from a child’s perspective and on to an adult’s, tugs at the heartstrings in Every Brilliant Thing, which opens Feb 2.
A restaging by theatrethreesixty, the play offers awareness about depression and suicide in a comical manner.
Its artistic director, Christopher Ling, says: “The novelty factor perhaps is the interactive aspect for audiences. But the sold-out eight shows for its premiere in November last year indicates that audiences do want a direct relationship with plays, and want to be part of it.”
A one-man show, starring Abdul Qahar Aqilah (Sheer Madness, Angels In America), Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing is about a child trying to grasp his mum’s illness, and onwards as an adult. As it progresses, he writes down everything that’s worth living for — which is for her, but ironically for everyone, including himself. Audience members are given questions to ask at certain moments in the staging.
On the reaction and participation of Malaysians, known as being a naturally reticent lot, Qahar says they warmed up as the show progressed. Qahar’s role is the only scripted part of Every Brilliant Thing, and calls for improvisation from him, as the audience members did sometimes go off on their own tangents.
For Qahar, 34, “the unforced humour in the script” is a draw factor in the play.
“It’s uplifting in a bittersweet way. You are in the presence of someone surviving loss, and doggedly finding ways to do so,” says the Kuala Lumpur native who first met Ling when he auditioned for Ling’s now-defunct youth theatre company, Rep16:21, when aged 18.
Qahar has since made the stage light up in A Light In KL City (EMP, 2009), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (KLPac, 2010), among other productions, and teaches masterclasses in acting and theatre skills.
Says Ling: “The play raises awareness about depression and suicide. After listening to the play, everyone involved, not just the audience, wanted to talk about their own stories. People seemed to find some joy and comfort from the play, and we held a few post-show sessions with The Befrienders last year.”
The non-profit organisation, which started in the 1970s, is concerned about the emotional well-being of the community.
Every Brilliant Thing opens theatrethreesixty’s 2017 Season: Right Now, which is focused on bringing intimate, actor-driven productions to the Malaysian audience.
“We are interested in issues that have currency and immediacy with Malaysians,” adds Ling.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
WHEN: Feb 2-4, Feb 9-11, 8.30pm (3pm show on Feb 5 & Feb 12).
VENUE: theatrethreesixty at Tommy Le Baker, A-1-5, Viva Residency, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, KL
ADMISSION: RM38 & RM28
Purchase tickets online at www.tixipro.com/theatrethreesixty and at the door.
Note Mature content. Suitable for 13 and above.