Every Brilliant Thing Flashcards
Synopsis
Modern play that tackles subjects like mental health and suicide and the effect it has in the people around you
The piece is told via the narrator who has grown up with her mother suffering with suicidal depression,
Attempts occurring around the time she was 6 and then 16
What did Duncan McMillan want to represent
A more truthful and accurate in-site into suicide and depression that can further educate the audience on the rather ‘elephant in the room’ subject matter
As well as introducing people to the debate to wether depression or mental health is hereditary
Personally I think Illnesses like depression or anxiety are not hereditary but if a child grows up surrounded by the effects of them they are more likely to suffer from it than others etc.
Context before my scene
Before the scene we see the narrator trying to get an audience member to recreate the awkward drive to the hospital to see her mother after the first attempt. The journey is mainly silent apart from the awkward questions my character keeps asking
Context during my scene
In my scene, I decided to play it slightly differently to the play as I imagine it to be set at a group therapy session, where by it is one of the first times my character talks about how her mothers suicidal depression really effected her
Objectives
Share my experience
Try and connect with people that could understand my situation
Trying to dodge talking about things and feelings she really wants to share by focusing their attention I. The list
Subtext
She really wants to share and connect with there like minded people but she holds back because no one likes showing vunribility especially to a group of strangers
Duncan McMillan
And English play write, theatre director and screen writer
His prices are rather ground breaking as it provides a voice for people who have been effected by mental health
Time period
Modern day
Addresses the stigma surrounding mental illness and how it’s changing
A very relevant topic at the moment and it’s great that so many artistic people are choosing to discuss these issues so that it becomes more and more easy to discuss
What is the importance of my character
I am a mouth piece for people effected by mental health- be it first or second hand
She brings attention to the hereditary debate
A mouth piece for Macmillan to communicate the message that you’re not alone, your not weird and your ok get trough it
A rather cheesy message but still something everyone needs to hear at some point or another
Techniques used in my monologue
Breaks the fourth wall
Constant use of direct address to the audience
While still holding a narrative style
Audience participation
Interactive monologue
Houses epic qualities by switching time and place and jumps years
Things to remember in the piece
Play the room- you are just finishing listening to a person, the therapist calls on you and you get ready to reluctantly tell your story
Direct address- move eyeline- keep it up
Stand up and move around your chair
Regret and hatred to yourself
Introduction
I would like to perform a speech for Duncan Macmillan’s every brilliant thing, published in 2015. The hole play surrounds the effects of mental health and in this scene I am talking to a group about a list I made to cheer up my mother after her first suicide attempt
