ARTfactory to Present Critically Acclaimed One-Man Play, ‘Every Brilliant Thing

The play follows a child who begins compiling a list of “every brilliant thing” worth living for—ice cream, water fights, staying up late—after their mother’s suicide attempt. As the child matures, the list continues, evolving into a deeply moving reflection on love, mental illness, and human connection.

Directed by ARTfactory Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp, the production stars David Johnson as the storyteller. Johnson, a longtime ARTfactory actor and director, has had his sights set on this play for years. “I remember (in 2017) telling the theatre arts director of the ARTfactory about this breathtakingly beautiful play and how badly I wanted to do it in the theatre on the third floor of the ARTfactory,” Johnson states in a press release. The project finally came to fruition when Kemp expressed her desire to direct it in 2022.

Johnson has experienced the loss of a young performer from ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre program and likened him to the play’s protagonist. “He reminded me of the character because he was so fearless in his creativity and expression,” Johnson said. He also referenced the loss of actor Robin Williams, a world-renowned entertainer who privately battled depression. Johnson hopes to encourage open conversations about mental health and seek support through this production.

Initially performed in 2013 at the Ludlow Fringe Festival, Every Brilliant Thing gained widespread acclaim for its poignant storytelling. It premiered in North America in 2014 at New York City’s Barrow Street Theatre and earned a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Show.

The ARTfactory’s production will be staged in an intimate in-the-round setting, enhancing audience engagement. While the play incorporates optional audience participation, attendees can enjoy the performance with or without direct involvement. However, given its subject matter, audience members should be aware that the play discusses themes of depression and suicide.

Performances will occur on February 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m. in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory. Tickets are available for purchase at virginiaartfactory.org.