By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO — Cygnet Theater courageously performed a challenging one-man show that featured a less than popular topic. Not everyone wants to watch a show about mental illness or attempted suicide, yet, that’s just what Every Brilliant Thing introduces.
This is not a show for the faint of heart, nor for the theater goer who seeks only to sit back and be entertained. While Ro Boddie is entertaining, the show commands active participation on the part of the audience. Upon entering the Theater in Old Town, 12 guests are invited to sit onstage, as they will be in the show. Additionally, many others are given a numbered sheet to read aloud, when they hear their identifying number. Each of these numbers (and they go to 1,000,000) expresses a reason for choosing life. In this way, Boddie brings us into his world and his experience of growing up with a suicidal mom, who suffered from mental illness.
Rob Lufty, Associate Artistic Director at Cygnet Theater, has vast experience with the Kennedy Center, The Hub Theater, the Arena Stage and Marin Theater Company. Under his direction, Ro Boddie was able to embody the role of Duncan McMillan’s characters, including a seven year old to an adult man.
Boddie demonstrated amazing energy and empathy as he took on the various roles of a young boy dealing with the repercussions of mental illness and the breakdown of his family. He, very convincingly, walked us through the putting down of a pet, a conflicted relationship with his father, and his own inevitable hurdles in growing up. The actor exuded authenticity and unbounded energy as he circulated the audience and “high fived” every audience member.
Proceeds from this show aide the National Alliance on Mental Illness and truly celebrate the organization in a very loving and humane way. The goal of this show is to spotlight that mental illness is present and deserves to have a compassionate response and the loving support of each of us. Depression is rampant, and left untended, can easily lead to self-destruction.
In a talk back following the show, the Associate Artistic Director, Lufty and the actor, Boddie, answered questions and listened to criticisms from the audience. I think it is safe to say that no one left the theater unchanged. This show posed provocative questions and revealed an entire demographic that is usually ignored or swept under the rug because it makes us uncomfortable. This show empowers each of us to “be kind and gentle with one another. Stop and listen.” If we can do that, we may be able to save lives.
Tickets may be purchased at cygnettheater.com or by calling 619-337-1525
Every Brilliant Thing runs through Sept. 16, 2018.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com