On Saturday and Sunday, University of Idaho faculty Craig A. Miller performed his one-person show “Every Brilliant Thing,” written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donohoe. This marks Miller’s third year in a row performing the show and second in conjunction with Suicide Awareness Week on the UI campus.
In the intimate Forge Theatre, the humor of the show reached deep into every corner of the space, with audience participation by as members read off slips of paper passed out before the show. The show revolves around a list of every good thing in the world written by the protagonist, the titular “Every Brilliant Thing.” Every time Miller would call out a number, the person with that numbered slip would read what was written on it. Sometimes Miller would even call a random audience member on to the stage to perform with him.
The show highlighted issues of depression and suicide, but did so with much tact and humor. A talkback was held after the show, where the audience could ask questions to Miller, as well as two other faculty members involved with mental health on campus.
The show is a powerful addition to Suicide Awareness Week. If it returns to campus, it is definitely worth a watch.
John Keegan can be reached at [email protected]