By Ashlee Thompson (JMU | The Breeze)

Editor’s Note: This story contains mentions of mental health and suicide that may be triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health in any way, please visit the American Psychological Association’s website or call 988.

As audience members took their seats in preparation for a performance about mental health, they were handed a slip of paper with a seemingly random phrase and a number ranging from one to one million. 

Little did they know they would soon be as important to this production as the main character. 

Norfolk-based Virginia Stage Company (VSC) brought its one-man play, “Every Brilliant Thing,” to JMU on Tuesday as part of its Sentara Health-sponsored tour across the state. Taking place on the third floor of D-Hall in the Hall of Presidents, the play’s layout took a unique approach with the audience sitting in a large circular formation surrounding all four sides of the actor and her props. 

The comedy-drama play follows main character Anna, played by VSC actor Anna Sosa, and her struggles growing up with a mother who has suicidal depression. Beginning at 7 years old, Anna creates a numbered, handwritten list of things worth living for in order to cheer up her mother, who’s been hospitalized multiple times due to suicide attempts. As Anna grows up and hits milestones, the list grows with her. 

“A lot of us that are part of this project have [experienced] suicide some way in our lives,” Sosa said. “Whether it’s friends or family or our own personal struggle, I’m not alone in that, which is part of the reason why this show is so important.” 

As the show progressed, audience participation became a crucial part of the production. When Sosa said the number on someone’s paper they were handed as they entered, they had to yell out what it read. 

“Number 1,” Sosa yelled during a scene. Across the room, someone shouted, “Ice cream!” This occurred throughout the entire one-hour duration until the list was complete. 

The audience participation went further than just shout-outs. Certain spectators were called to the floor to play significant roles in Anna’s life, such as her father, a veterinarian, a professor, a sock puppet and her love interest. Audience members had to improvise their way through their scene with help from Sosa. 

One audience member, who played a teacher with a sock puppet, was given a microphone and a sock and was tasked with cheering up a 7-year-old Anna. 

“I can’t imagine this show without the participation,” Sosa said. “It allows everyone to see themselves in the various components of the show.” 

Sophomore economics major Zach Marks attended the play to earn a wellness passport credit for his Health 100 class. He left with an acting credit. 

Marks was chosen to play Sam, Anna’s future husband she met in college. He acted through their meet-cute, proposal and eventual divorce without any preparation. Sam is an important character to the story, being the one who helped Anna continue and finish her list — after it was forgotten after high school — and encouraged her to talk with a therapist. 

“I thought it was really sweet, everything [Sam] did, reaching out and continuing the list and trying to help her be better,” Marks said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I learned there’s a lot of good things in the world.” 

The play focused on various relationships in Anna’s life and how they impacted her, with Sam helping her realize she buried a lot of her familial trauma without realizing.  

“If you lived your whole life without feeling crushingly depressed,” Anna said during the play, “then you probably haven’t been paying attention.” 

In addition to the heavy topics and lessons taught throughout the show, the University Counseling Center was present to answer any questions and provide information about JMU’s mental health resources. 

Psychoeducation outreach specialist Karla Kale thought “Every Brilliant Thing” was important to show on campus to “bring awareness” and “destigmatize” discussions about suicide and mental health, especially as this week is National Suicide Prevention Week, she said. 

“We want to make sure folks are aware of the resources and that help is available,” Kale said. “The JMU Counseling Center is a fantastic resource. We are free and confidential to students if they’re looking for support.”  

One of the play’s final scenes sees Anna attend a support group to talk about her mother’s passing. She recalls finding her list again. Anna goes home and finishes the list up to one million items, with the last bullet point saying,  “playing vinyl records,” something she and her dad bonded over. 

“If anyone here has had thoughts of suicide, do not do it,” Sosa said during a monologue. “[Life] may not be brilliant, but things get better.”

Contact Ashlee Thompson at thomp6ab@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @BreezeJMU.