We go to church for fellowship, for healing, to hear a “good word,” to bear witness, to connect with something bigger than ourselves. We gather in a sacred space, and commune through shared stories.
We go to the theater for the same reasons.
At its core, theater is a sanctuary. A reminder that while our experiences are uniquely shaped by who we are, the emotions underneath them- grief, fear, love, are universal. Every season, High Tide invites us in to engage with stories that linger long after the lights come up. These stories require us to bring our vulnerability to the front and leave our judgement at the door. In a time that stigmatizes saying the quiet part out loud, Every Brilliant Thing gently insists otherwise.
From the moment the show opens, we’re immediately drawn into a story that is hilariously relatable, deeply nostalgic, and heartbreakingly honest. Guided by our Narrator, brilliantly played by Sarah Jenkins, who with the help of our audience, produces a list of every brilliant thing worth living for. The conception of this list, initially birthed as a coping mechanism, blooms into a powerful reminder that hope still exists, even in the face of our deepest grief.
This story is personal to me, as it will prove to be for everyone who’s experienced loss. In 2020 my older brother passed away before his 35th birthday in an aggressive battle with ALS. It was an isolating, incomprehensible tragedy, made even more surreal by the backdrop of a global pandemic, a moment now defined by collective loss. Every Brilliant Thing reminds us that even in our most unimaginable grief, we are never as alone as we think.
In a time where many are still recovering from profound isolation, Every Brilliant Thing teaches us to embrace the paradox of holding immense grief while still allowing room for resilient hope.
If you, or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone. Talk to someone. Reach out.
Resources for support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386
- NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
