Each year, many Duke seniors have the chance to pursue honors in their major, a journey that can take many different forms. In the Department of Theater Studies, the options include writing, directing, design/theater technology, acting, dramatic literature and more.
This fall, one student, senior Sydney Maynor, is choosing to pursue Graduation with Distinction, performing Duncan Macmillan’s and Jonny Donahoe’s one-person show “Every Brilliant Thing” at 8 p.m., Nov. 7 through 9 in Brody Theater.
“Every Brilliant Thing” is the story of various moments of an unnamed woman’s life. The trajectory of this life changes early in her youth, at the age of 7, when her mother attempts to take her own life. Unable to process both her mother’s condition and actions, the girl begins to create a list of every brilliant thing in the world to convince her mother that there’s something to live for.
The audience follows this girl through different stages of life, beginning with a flashback to the death of her beloved childhood dog, Sherlock Bones. We see her go to a mandatory school counselor appointment, experience her mother’s second suicide attempt, go to college, fall in love and continue to move through life. Along the way, her list of every brilliant thing continues to grow and transform, often changing with the woman’s attitude.
Maynor chose this play because she wanted to pursue distinction through her own performance, rather than with a campus theater organization, to have more creative freedom. A psychology and theater studies double major, she was involved with performing arts in grade school but initially only focused on psychology upon coming to Duke.
Maynor was drawn back to theater her sophomore year, leading to her participation in the Fall 2022 production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This show kickstarted her involvement with Duke Theater, resulting in her pursuit of a second major in theater and heavy involvement in the department. This dual study of theater and psychology is one of the main reasons she was drawn to “Every Brilliant Thing.” Of the solo plays she considered, it was the best one for talking about mental health — a passion of hers — in a meaningful way.
The show is engaging, drawing on audience participation throughout. Audience members read out different items from the ever-growing list, provide props for the performance and even act out the roles of key characters in the story. Involving the audience in the play also helps make the performance feel more real, as they become parts of the story rather than spectators.
The show is also a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. While suicide and suicidal thoughts are incredibly sensitive topics, they’re covered in a respectful way that leaves room for levity and joy. The play also provides people with a bittersweet look at life in all its struggles and beauty, providing a rawer perspective on living through hardship. The end message is an optimistic one, saying there is indeed beauty in life, though it may be found in the little things, not grand goals or big dreams.
The play, and Sydney's choice to perform it, also stands as a testament to the beauty and power of the arts, on and off campus. “Every Brilliant Thing” uses art to talk about a real-world issue that involves both science and society. Maynor’s performance demonstrates that being involved with the arts on campus is not an all-or-nothing choice. There are many different ways of being involved, from majoring in an arts-related subject to performing to taking a few classes to attending shows.
During our interview, Maynor talked at length about how much she had grown because of the Department of Theater Studies, and how she had been able to take what she had learned to become a better friend, person, speaker, conversationalist and so much more. She encouraged everyone who has time in their schedule or who is in search of an ALP credit to consider a class in the department. This highlights just how nurturing the Duke arts community can be.
You should attend the show. It's wonderfully performed and engrossing, providing an experience that is equal parts educational and enjoyable, both when it comes to life and the power of art.
Every Brilliant Thing will be performed at 8 p.m., November. 7 through 9, in Brody Theater on East Campus. Tickets can be obtained for free at this site.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.
Zev van Zanten is a Trinity junior and recess editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.