In the past, the IB theatre class has presented shows that focus on topics relevant to today’s society; this year is no different. The annual IB show this year will be “Every Brilliant Thing”. The show hits on the pressing issue of suicide and the emotions that come with it. The theatre class has been doing extensive research to ensure that they understand the issue at hand before starring in the show. 

“We got the chance to go see the Flint Community Players production of ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ as a class,” senior Sarah Dzadzio said. “We now have a better understanding of what the show’s about but we’re going to continue to do more research as the process of putting the show together goes on.”

Throughout the week of Dec. 9 to Dec. 13, IB Theatre students will go through the audition process to find out their casting results for this year’s show.

“Auditions for this show are going to be different compared to shows we have auditioned for in the past,” senior Sheehan Personett said. “Since the show includes a lot of audience participation, the other students in the class and I will sit in on our peer’s auditions to act as if we are the members of the audience that the character has to interact with.”

This year’s show has many different aspects compared to the shows they have done in the past. This year the show is a one-man show, meaning there will only be one person cast for each night the show is performed.

“There was a lot of controversy over the show only having one part at first,” Dzadzio said. “Now that we’ve seen the show and started researching, we understand just how powerful this show is. I have a feeling, no matter who gets cast, this will be one of the best shows that I’ll get to be a part of.”

Continuing the tradition of shows that relate directly to today’s society, “Every Brilliant Thing” is no different. The show attempts to shed light on the current events of the mental health crisis affecting people.

“This show molds well with current events in particular because suicide rates have been increasing in the US and that is not something to ignore,” Personett said. “The show is about more than suicide though, it is about the willpower and maturity it takes to overcome losing someone that is important to you. Losing a family member is heart-wrenching. Seeing how your loved ones cope and learning how you cope is a journey that never really ends. This play is about understanding and respecting how to go on. How to still love and how to still find brilliant things in the world; that is something that will always be prevalent in the world.”

Students and the community can come to see IB theatre’s presentation of “Every Brilliant Thing” in the Ruby Zima Auditorium on March 13, 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22. The three students performing the role will be determined in the near future.