The NOLA Project's Every Brilliant Thing
How do you
make a one-man show with virtually no set engaging? In the NOLA Project's
production of Every Brilliant Thing, Alex Martinez Wallace wears his
heart on his sleeve, leading the audience through wide ranges of emotions and
settings all with bare bones staging.
Every
Brilliant Thing,
written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, follows a 6-year-old boy into
adulthood as he struggles to understand and cope with his mother's severe
depression and multiple suicide attempts. His response is to create a list of
every brilliant thing, such as "ice cream," or "kung fu movies." What starts
out as a way to cheer up his mother turns into a symbol of hope for all who
struggle with depression.
Strength in Minimalism
While the
content of this play veers very dark and uncomfortable, the child-like
curiosity and engaging humor keeps the show entertaining and positive. As the unnamed,
lead character, Wallace creates an exciting and safe space to share happy, sad,
and funny stories, like a conversation with an old friend. His performance
brings out familiar and comfortable feelings as he recounts his troubled past, made
easier by the fact that he is the only person on stage.
This
production maintains engagement especially through audience participation. The
character calls on audience members to read out certain items on his brilliant
list. Occasionally, he asks audience members to stand in for titular roles in
the show, such as the veterinarian that puts down his dog or his college love
interest, even inviting them to improvise lines. This gives the show a very
grounded feeling, like we are collaborators with Wallace to share this story.
While the NOLA Project is no stranger to a minimalist production, what stands out is the significance of the performance space in their shows. In the fall, the NOLA Project's production of Pass Over was held in the courtyard of the New Orleans African American Museum, mirroring the story and setting of the play—two African American men sitting on a street corner.
Every Brilliant Thing at Big Couch
Every Brilliant Thing is performed at Big Couch, known for its improv jams and classes, indicative of the audience participation and improv required in the show. This world-building not only creates a realistic setting for the plays themselves but also draws attention to landmarks of New Orleans theater and culture. The storytelling reaches farther than the lines, props, or audience engagement—the NOLA Project grounds their stories in New Orleans in a literal way, truly making their productions ours.
Be prepared to laugh, cry, and, most importantly, participate. Every Brilliant Thing is playing through April 6 at Big Couch, located at 1045 Desire St. in New Orleans. Tickets are available at nolaproject.com.
