While mental health awareness is a growing topic here in the Philippines, the stigma against mental and emotional condition is still a reality in our culture. It is a no-joke matter that millions of people face every day and it’s important to spark conversations on this topic in safe spaces and forms, producing in a comical yet mannerly humorous way – through the ever-fascinating beauty of art; an experience wherein openness, building relationships through participation is greatly influenced and The Sandbox Collective aims to do just that with their upcoming theatrical production.
The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical will be staging the first Philippine production of Every Brilliant Thing. Directed by Jenny Jamora and starring Teresa Herrera, this internationally acclaimed Duncan Macmillan one-character play tells the story and perspectives of a child who, when faced with their mother’s attempt in taking her own life, writes a  list of things in the world that makes life worth living.
In a tasteful mix of heartfelt monologues and comedic audience dynamics, Every Brilliant Thing aims to start an honest and unflinchingly raw discussion not only on people with experience of mental and emotional concerns but also on the capacity of the human spirit to find happiness in even the smallest of things. This play holds a unique format wherein the audiences are included in the performance as the lead character breaks through the 4th wall and interacts with the viewers as the narrative plays out.
Every Brilliant Thing has been staged in locations across the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, South Korea, and even filmed for an HBO documentary in 2016. Manila will be added to that list as Sandbox and 9 Works bring this play to life locally. With Toff De Venecia, founder of The Sandbox Collective, at the helm, the production team will be extending their work outside of the theater and into the community by exploring the different facets of mental health in art and pop culture, and through featured organizations and advocates.
Unique to this play is its post-show discussions wherein The Sandbox Collective invites several mental health experts to have a dialogue about the topic for the audiences. This allows the theme of mental health to be further understood and explored in the space of openness, acceptance, and healing. They will also be promoting support groups, suicide hotlines, mental health consultations, and various coping mechanisms to raise awareness with audiences.
Every Brilliant Thing will premiere on February 2, 2019, at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, 26th Street, cor. 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.
Tickets Now Available at ticketworld.com.ph 0956-200-4909
Production Team
Director: Jenny Jamora
Lighting Designer: John Batalla
Production Designer: Marta Lovina
Sound Designer: Arvy Dimaculangan
Stage Manager: Marcel David
Production Manager: Pauline Gaerlan
Artistic Director/Executive Producer: Toff de Venecia
Executive Producer: Santi Santamaria
Associate Producer: Kakki Teodoro
Marketing Director: Sab Jose
Operations and Finance Director: Anna Santamaria
Design Director: Maine Manalansan
Design & Social Media Associate: Gian Nicdao
Marketing Associates: Nick Puno, Marcel David, Pauline Gaerlan
For news, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at The Sandbox Collective productions follow them on:
Twitter: @TheSandboxCo Facebook: /TheSandboxCollective Instagram: @TheSandboxCo
Or follow the production with the hashtag #EveryBrilliantMNL.
